Alexander Macleod Sinclair
is accorded a position of distinction in the ranks of Calgary's legal
fraternity and his life record is proof of the fact that success is not
a. matter of fortunate circumstances nor of genius, as is held by some,
but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience, careful preparation
for the work in hand and the ability to separate the nonessential from
the important elements of a case. He was born at Taynuilt, Argyleshire,
Scotland, June 24, 1880, a son of Robert and Jane (Macleod) Sinclair,
who were also natives of that country. The father was a successful
contractor, devoting his life to that business. His death occurred in
November, 1905, while the mother passed away in October,
After his graduation from
the Oban high school, Alexander Macleod Sinclair was articled to A. S.
Black, a solicitor, and later completed a course in law at Edinburgh
University. He was called to the bar in April, 1905, and practiced at
Bathgate, Scotland, from November of that year until October, 1913, when
he decided to avail himself of the opportunities presented in a new and
rapidly developing country. Making his way to western Canada, he first
located at Edmonton, Alberta, and became junior member of the firm of
Hawie & Sinclair, with which he was connected until April, 1916. He then
removed to Calgary and joined the firm of Lougheed, Bennett, McLaws &
Company, with which he was associated until its dissolution on the 31st
of July, 1922, when the present firm of Loughheed, MeLaws, Sinclair &
Redman was formed. In February, 1918, Mr. Sinclair was appointed King's
Counsel and he is recognized as an astute barrister, whose knowledge of
the law is comprehensive and exact.
On September 22, 1906,
Mr. Sinclair was married to Miss Edith May Pringle, a daughter of Peter
and Elizabeth (Towler) Pringle, natives of Scotland. Both have passed
away. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have two children: Elspeth Macleod, born
June 28, 1907; and Sheila Macleod, whose birth occurred on the 28th of
December, 1911. Mr. Sinclair is a Conservative in his political views
and his religious faith is in accord with the doctrines of the
Presbyterian church, with which he is affiliated. His interest in the
welfare and advancement of this city has prompted him to become a member
of the Board of Trade, and the nature of his diversion is indicated by
his connection with the Calgary Golf & Country Club. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masonic order, being a charter member of Patricia
Lodge of Edmonton, and a past master of Grand Lodge, No. 13, of
Scotland. His professional colleagues unite in bearing testimony as to
his breadth of mind and legal acumen and during the period of his
residence in Calgary he has won many friends by reason of his high
principles and fine personal qualities. |