Leo Ryan, Editor
Surrounded by his loved ones, Peter Cresswell, former President and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation, passed away in Sault Ste. Marie on June 20 at the age of 90. Maritime Magazine would like to add its voice of most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends over the departure of not only an industry giant but a profoundly human gentleman.
Mr. Cresswell was at the helm of Algoma Central between 1990 and 2000 after beginning his career there in 1964. He occupied various roles, including manager of the marine division, sales manager and assistant general manager.
Through more than three decades, Mr. Cresswell was a driving force behind the metamorphosis of a small enterprise in Northern Ontario owning a small railway and a few vessels into the biggest operator of Canadian-flagged vessels on the Great Lakes-Seaway System. Algoma’s executive offices are now located in St. Catharines.
While extending, in a statement on June 24, its “deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him,” Algoma Central declared: “Mr. Cresswell played a pivotal role in modernizing Algoma’s fleet and laying the foundation for long-term growth during a transformative decade for our company and the broader marine industry, including diversifying into ocean self-unloaders and product tankers. He is etched into our history as a visionary leader who helped shape Algoma into the company we are today.”
To honour Mr. Cresswell, Algoma has lowered flags to half-mast for the remainder of this week.
(Algoma Central photos of Peter Cresswell and of the Peter R. Cresswell bulk carrier which served from 2001 until its decommissioning in 2016)