Life of Lester B. Pearson

Birth

Apr 23, 1897

The day that Lester was born in Newtonbrook, Toronto, Ontario.

Life of Lester B. Pearson

Period: Apr 23, 1897 to Dec 27, 1972

The timespan of the life of Lester B. Pearson.

Volunteered for World War I

Jan 1, 1914

When the First World War broke out in 1914, he volunteered for service as a Medical Orderly with the University of Toronto Hospital Unit.

Transferred to Royal Flying Corps

Jan 1, 1917

During 1917, Pearson transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he served as a Flying Officer.

Survived an Airplane Crash

Apr 10, 1917

While training as a pilot at an air training school in Hendon, England, Pearson survived an airplane crash during his first flight

Hit by a bus

Jan 1, 1918

In 1918, he was hit by a London bus during a citywide blackout and was sent home as an invalid to recuperate, and was then discharged from the service.

Recieved BA from U of T

Apr 10, 1919

After the war, he returned to school, receiving his Bachelor's Degree of Arts from the University of Toronto in 1919.

Oxford University vs. Switzerland

Jan 11, 1922

While on a scholarship at the University of Oxford he played for the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club, the team that won the first-ever Spengler Cup in 1923.

Married Maryon Moody

Aug 22, 1925

Maryon and Lester Pearson married on August 22, 1925. They met at the University of Toronto, where he was a teacher and she was a student.

Served as Ambassador

Jan 1, 1945

He served as Canada's ambassador to the United States from 1945-1946.

Appointed to Foreign Minister

Sep 10, 1948

Pearson was appointed to Secretary of State for External Affairs by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent.

Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Dec 10, 1957

Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in stopping the Suez Crisis through the United Nations.

Elected Leader of Liberal Party

Jan 16, 1958

At the 1958 leadership convention, Pearson was elected leader of the Liberal Party, defeating Cabinet Minister Paul Joseph James Martin.

Elected as Prime Minister

Apr 22, 1963

Pearson was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada on this date and formed his minority government. He was in office from 22 April 1963 to 20 April 1968.

Retirement from Politics

Dec 14, 1967

Pearson announces his retirement from politics on this date.

Death

Dec 27, 1972

Pearson passed away on this date, and he was burried in Wakefield, Quebec.