From 1955...... The Late George T. Moir

If not for Mr Moir, Cranbrook would not have a Moir Park.  It is not in the location he bequeathed to the city as that has now been reduced to what remains of the gravel pit now almost fully excavated by the city.  The proceeds of that gravel have of course contributed to current Moir Park.  The  man after whom Moir Park is named appears to have been quite a character.

From The Cranbrook Courier January 27th 1955;

 A Tribute To His Memory By L. P. Sullivan

George T. Moir, the energetic little man with the bowler hat and the flowing bow tie, who did so much for Cranbrook early day youth, has passed into the valley of the shadow. Word of his demise was received in the Kootenays with profound sympathy by people in every walk or life.

Community interests, he always said, are what keep us alive and active. Being an early day railway telegrapher he quite frequently used the phrase "let the wires down' and we become mere idlers on the sidelines with little or no interest in life.

Moir always provided the Courier with plenty of "live" copy. He lived news, although he detested publicity and the limelight.
His aggressive spirit and fearless manner in all his undertakings were not always received on the part of the public with acclaim. Indeed he was assailed on numerous occasions for his outspoken opinion on local issues. He enjoyed a good clean fight and hewed to the line, letting the chips fall where they may, and let it be said to his credit there were plenty of chips falling . . .

I knew him best for his prominent part in the Cranbrook Amateur Athletic Association, a body of some thirty men who handled all athletic events, including high and public school meets. During his term as secretary he handled over $25,000 in cash and insisted that each and every year an annual audited statement be published.

The C.A.A.A. paid the city of Cranbrook an annual rental of $300 for the old arena rink after the eviction of the curling club, and usually ended the season with a surplus of from $800.00 to $1000.00. With this surplus the grounds of the Cranbrook District Agricultural Association were purchased from W. J. Uren, CPR superintendent here, who held a mortgage for some $6000 Local men who contributed financially to the venture were Frank Constantine, A. A. MacKinnon, Dr. W. Green, George Moir and L. P. Sullivan. The purchase was made, with the distinct understanding that the grounds would always be used for athletic purposes. This has never been fully carried out.

On the occasion of the Pioneers Reunion in 1938, with the consent of the three remaining signers, the grounds were donated to the city and named Moir Park, honouring G. T. M.

Just what kind of an individual was George T. Moir? Throughout his years of residence here there was a sort of continuous rebellion in his make-up — Against poverty and drabness; against conformity in business; in society against snobbery and sham.

With a character like this it is easy to understand the conflict that went on. At times the little man was the most unpopular person in town. But he had guts and generally carried the day.

Liberal-Labor in politics he was always advocating better conditions for the masses. On numerous occasions he took me to task for not taking a more aggressive stand against liquor. When I told him that liquor was in the world from the beginning of time and would probably remain to the end, the little man blew his top and said: "There is only one redeeming feature about the Courier. It is Liberal and does stand for the working man."

In closing this tribute to the late George T. Moir I wish to pay my respects to a great individualist, a man without fear and without prejudice. It was good to have known him and to be associated with his many worthwhile activities. It is too bad that Cranbrook has not a. few more of his kind. Peace be to his ashes.

L. P. SULLIVAN

Cranbrook Courier January 27, 1955