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Charles Herbert Ivey
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Charles Herbert Ivey, or C.H., as he was affectionately called by his friends and business associates, was born in London, Ontario, June 26, 1889. He graduated from McGill University in electrical  engineering and joined Emco Ltd., then Empire Brass Manufacturing Limited, in 1911. When WW1 broke out in 1914 he joined the army as a lieutenant. Before going overseas in 1916 he married Ethel Jamieson from Montreal, an honour student of violin at McGill University. Overseas he was awarded the Military Cross for his action at Vimy Ridge.
After the war, he returned to Empire Brass (Emco). He moved from purchasing to factory management, to Vice President, then President from 1946 to 1954. During his tenure as President he expanded the operations of the company to England and West Germany. He subsequently became Chairman of the Board. Following his retirement after 51 years of active service he continued his association with Emco as honorary director.
C.H. epitomized the word gentleman. He was handsome and charismatic and much admired by his many friends and employees. In 1944 Emco employees went on strike. They barred the entrance to the parking lot so no one could enter the building. When they saw C.H. drive up they immediately made way for his car to enter, tipped their hats and said “Good Morning, sir.” He garnered that kind of respect.
C.H. gave the City of London its first Community Chest Fund appeal, now called the United Way. More than a leader of industry, C.H. was a leader of men who brought to bear thoroughness and sophistication in a wide range of endeavours, demanding, at the same time, the best from everyone around him. He died September 10, 1974 at eighty-four years of age.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Jamieson McKnight
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