{{Short description|Canadian politician and ice hockey administrator (1885–1943)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}} {{Use Canadian English|date=June 2020}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Toby Sexsmith | image = William Raymond Sexsmith photo.jpg | alt = Black and white photo of William Raymond Sexsmith | office = Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for Portage la Prairie | term_start = November 27, 1933 | term_end = August 23, 1943 | predecessor = Fawcett Taylor | successor = Charles Greenlay | birth_name = William Raymond Sexsmith | birth_date = {{Birth date|1885|08|23}} | birth_place = Napanee, Ontario, Canada | death_date = {{Death date and age|1943|08|23|1885|08|23}} | death_place = Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada | party = Progressive Conservative | occupation = Lawyer | known_for = Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association president | awards = King's Counsel (1938) }}
'''William Raymond''' "'''Toby'''" '''Sexsmith''' {{Post-nominals|country=CAN|KC}} (August 23, 1885{{spnd}}August 23, 1943) was a Canadian politician and ice hockey administrator. He was elected three times as a Progressive Conservative Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba representing the Portage la Prairie riding from 1933 to 1943. He served as president of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association from 1921 to 1923, and sat on the association's executive committee for 25 years. He served as president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) from 1922 to 1924, and set a precedent that future CAHA presidents would also be given two-year terms.
The Allan Cup was formally recognized as the senior ice hockey championship of Canada while Sexsmith was CAHA president, and eligibility rules were expanded to allow more teams to compete for the title. Profits from the Allan Cup playoffs were invested into amateur and minor ice hockey and the Canada men's national ice hockey team. He began the efforts to establish a standard set of national ice hockey rules and amateur competitions between the United States and Canada. He sought to grow youth interest in the game and encourage sportsmanship, and spoke out against growing professionalism in the sport. He was the first president of the Portage Rink Company. He led efforts to build an arena and establish a team in Portage la Prairie in 1919, and oversaw construction of a second arena when the original was destroyed by fire in 1936.
Sexsmith was a lawyer before entering politics and was a partner with Arthur Meighen, the future Prime Minister of Canada. Sexsmith wanted improvements to infrastructure for drainage districts. He defended small businesses against the efforts of the Canadian Performing Rights Society, sought to reintroduce the 12-man jury system and the daytime speed limit in Manitoba, and supported using a compromise between representation by population and district representation. He was named a King's Counsel on January 1, 1938, in recognition of his legal career. He died in office on his 58th birthday, and was credited by the ''Winnipeg Free Press'' as a person who tackled contentious issues, and gave sound advice and constructive criticism.
==Early life and legal career== thumb|Arthur Meighen {{circa|1914|1919}}|alt=Arthur Meighen
Sexsmith was born on August 23, 1885, in Napanee, Ontario, to parents Tobias Sexsmith and Jane Metcalfe, and moved westward with his parents at a young age. He completed his secondary school education in Portage la Prairie while reporting for the ''Portage Review'' and the ''Portage Daily Graphic''.<ref name="Goldsborough">{{cite web|url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/sexsmith_wr.shtml|title=Memorable Manitobans: William Raymond "Toby" Sexsmith (1885–1943)|last=Goldsborough|first=Gordon|date=August 25, 2019|website=Manitoba Historical Society|access-date=May 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="aug-23-1943">{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith, Portage M.L.A., Dies At 58|date=August 23, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-23-1943-1764526/}}</ref>
Sexsmith was known by the nickname "Toby" for most of his life.<ref name="Goldsborough" /><ref name="jan-01-1938">{{cite news|title=More About New KC's (Continued from Page Three)|date=January 1, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-jan-01-1938-1768094/}}</ref> The name began during his time as an ice hockey player, and was reported by the ''Winnipeg Tribune'' to be linked to his father's name being Tobias.<ref name="mar-09-1943">{{cite news|title=Under The Golden Boy|date=March 9, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-09-1943-1764518/}}</ref> Sexsmith played as a winger on the 1906 Portage la Prairie men's ice hockey team, and was a teammate to Harry Scott.<ref>{{cite news|title=Across Canada|last=Edwards|first=Charlie|author-link=Charles Edwards (journalist)|date=September 3, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-03-1943-1783624/}}</ref> Sexsmith scored eleven goals in six games played for the Portage la Prairie Cities in the Manitoba Professional Hockey League.<ref>{{Citation|last=Fitsell|first= J. W.|author-link=Bill Fitsell|title=Toby Sexsmith player profile|publisher=Society for International Hockey Research|year=2020}}</ref> He had a career as an ice hockey referee after his playing days.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite news|title=In The Realm Of Sport|last=Armstrong|first=E. A.|date=August 24, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-24-1943-1639073/}}</ref> He refereed senior ice hockey in Manitoba in 1912,<ref>{{cite news|title=Eaton's Beaten At Portage|date=February 8, 1912|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-08-1912-1764278/}}</ref> and was still active as an official in 1924.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sexsmith To Handle Games|date=January 15, 1924|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-15-1924-1764358/}}</ref>
Sexsmith served as an articled clerk with the firm Cooper & Meighen in 1911, then solely articled for Arthur Meighen in 1913. Sexsmith was called to the bar on June 30, 1915, then became a full partner with Meighen. After Meighen became the Prime Minister of Canada in 1920, Sexsmith partnered with J. C. Miller in the firm Sexsmith & Miller until 1922, then practiced law independently for the remainder of his career.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /><ref name="free-press-obit">{{cite news|title=More About Sexsmith (Continued from Page One)|date=August 23, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-23-1943-1694046/}}</ref>
==Hockey administrator== ===Early involvement=== Sexsmith was primarily responsible for the fundraising efforts to build the Portage Rink in 1919.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /><ref name="free-press-obit" /> He applied to the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) for a senior ice hockey team based in Portage la Prairie for the 1919–20 season but was recommended for the lower level intermediate league instead, despite raising C$20,000 to construct a new arena.<ref>{{cite news|title=What About Next Winter's Hockey Bill?|date=April 11, 1919|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-11-1919-1783979/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Falcons Permitted To Peer In Windows At Hockey Conference|date=October 31, 1919|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-31-1919-1783993/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Another Bomb Dropped On Senior Hockey Situation|date=November 4, 1919|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-04-1919-1783996/}}</ref> The Portage Rink was initially built with a tarpaulin covering that was replaced by a permanent roof in 1921. The additional $8,000 upgrade brought the completed construction cost to $28,000.<ref name="sep-14-1936">{{cite news|title=Rink At Portage Burned|date=September 14, 1936|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-14-1936-1768205/}}</ref>
Sexsmith later became involved with provincial and national sporting organizations. He was elected second vice-president of the Manitoba branch of the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada (AAU of C) in May 1920, and spoke out against growing professionalism in sport in Manitoba. He suggested that athletes competing for cash prizes be banned from ice hockey and other athletics.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jim Morkin Is Chosen To Guide Amateur Athletes Throughout The Province|date=May 14, 1920|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-14-1920-1764306/}}</ref> He also served as vice-president of the MAHA in 1920. In response to the AAU of C becoming more strict with player registrations, he felt the rule change by the MAHA to require player cards from the association where the player transferred from would be adequate, and no further action was required.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Meeting Is Not Endorsed|date=December 22, 1920|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=23 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-22-1920-1784044/}}</ref> He later served as MAHA president from 1921 to 1923.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbhockeyhalloffame.ca/wp-content/uploads/history/ManitobasHockeyInfluence-byEdSweeney.pdf|title=Manitoba's Hockey History|last=Sweeney|first=Ed|year=2007|website=Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref>
===CAHA president=== thumb|Winnipeg Amphitheatre|alt=Building exterior
Sexsmith was elected president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) on March 20, 1922, at the general meeting in Toronto, and succeeded W. R. Granger as president.<ref name="mar-21-1922">{{cite news|title="Tobey" Sexsmith Is New President Of C.A.H.A.|date=March 21, 1922|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=6 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-21-1922-1764310/}}</ref> Sexsmith appointed MAHA secretary-treasurer Fred Marples to fill the same position at the national level.<ref>{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith, Portage, Elected Canadian Amateur Hockey Assn. President For Second Term|date=March 23, 1923|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-23-1923-2537792/}}</ref> The CAHA requested changes to the expand the eligibility for the Allan Cup, the national championship of Canadian senior hockey. The Cup's trustees were asked to allow any intermediate-level team to partake in the national playoffs if they were able to defeat a senior-level team.<ref name="mar-21-1922" />
In September 1922, Sexsmith and the MAHA executive reserved the right to decide on which Winnipeg teams would participate in the Manitoba Senior Hockey League, after Winnipeg Amphitheatre ownership was unable to get an agreement on a league schedule.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sport Gossip|date=September 22, 1922|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=3 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-22-1922-1784723/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Winnipeg Hockey Clubs Could Not Make Decision|date=September 28, 1922|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-28-1922-1764311/}}</ref>
Sexsmith was re-elected president of the CAHA on March 23, 1923. He was nominated for a second term by Ontario Hockey Association president W. A. Fry, who felt that a two-year term was needed for a president to be effective once he was familiar with the role, as opposed to changeover annually. The ''Winnipeg Tribune'' expected that future CAHA presidents would also be given two-year terms.<ref name="mar-23-1923">{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith, Portage, Elected Canadian Amateur Hockey Assn. President For Second Term|date=March 23, 1923|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-23-1923-1764312/}}</ref>
The CAHA and Allan Cup trustees reached an agreement in 1923, where profits from the Allan Cup playoffs would be held in trust and spent as requested by the CAHA. The Allan Cup was formally recognized as the senior ice hockey championship of Canada with an annual series of national playoffs. Teams participating in the semifinals and finals would have legitimate expenses reimbursed, with CAHA executives overseeing administration of schedules and finances. The agreement stipulated that a league must have at least three teams to be eligible for Allan Cup playoffs, and competition for the Cup remained subject to approval of the trustees.<ref name="mar-23-1923" />
The CAHA appointed a committee to establish a standard set of national ice hockey rules. A second committee was named to discuss the increasing migration of players between Canada and the United States, in response to the AAU of C desire to be the sole authority for determining amateur status in Canada. In co-operation with the United States Amateur Hockey Association, the Willis Trophy was inaugurated for amateur competitions between the two countries.<ref name="mar-23-1923" /> Sexsmith ruled that clubs from the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association would not play in the MAHA due to constant arguments over placement in divisions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brandon Hockey Club Will Play In Western Division And Go After Championship|date=December 13, 1923|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-13-1923-1784729/}}</ref>
Sexsmith arranged for the 1924 Allan Cup finals to be played in Toronto instead of Ottawa, since the 1924 Stanley Cup Finals were moved from Montreal to Ottawa due to warm weather.<ref>{{cite news|title=Allan Cup Finals To Be Played In Toronto|date=March 19, 1924|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-19-1924-1764355/}}</ref> The CAHA profited $5,865 from the 1924 Allan Cup playoffs, and contributed $2,000 towards the Canada men's national ice hockey team for their travels to ice hockey at the 1924 Winter Olympics.<ref name="mar-29-1924">{{cite news|title=Quilty Succeeds "Toby" Sexsmith As Hockey Leader|date=March 29, 1924|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-29-1924-1784730/}}</ref>
===CAHA past-president=== thumb|The Allan Cup was the championship trophy for amateur senior ice hockey in Canada.|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a black plinth.
Sexsmith was succeeded as CAHA president by Silver Quilty at the general meeting in Toronto on March 29, 1924.<ref name="mar-29-1924" /> Sexsmith negotiated an international exhibition series on behalf of the CAHA, between the 1926 Allan Cup champions from Port Arthur, Ontario, and the Central Hockey League champions from Duluth, Minnesota.<ref>{{cite news|title=Central Hockey League Winners May Meet Ports|date=April 5, 1926|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-05-1926-1784741/}}</ref> He later sat on a special committee which oversaw the control of the Allan Cup transfer from its trustees to the CAHA.<ref>{{cite news|title=Control Of Allan Cup Goes To C. A. Hockey Association|date=March 26, 1927|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-26-1927-1764370/}}</ref>
Sexsmith remained involved with hockey at the provincial level in Manitoba, and was named an MAHA delegate to the AAU of C's Manitoba branch.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hockey Officials|date=March 20, 1924|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-20-1924-1764359/}}</ref> He negotiated on behalf of the MAHA when the Winnipeg Hockey Club returned to Manitoba from the jurisdiction of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association, after questions of the team's eligibility for the Allan Cup due to playing in an out-of-province league.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winnipegs Retire From Thunder Bay Hockey Loop|date=January 7, 1927|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-07-1927-1764368/}}</ref>
Sexsmith toured central Manitoba on behalf of the MAHA to grow interest in minor ice hockey in 1925.<ref>{{cite news|title=Many Minor Hockey Teams Ready To Start|last=Buss|first=Johnny|date=December 12, 1925|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-12-1925-1764363/}}</ref> He worked with the local Elks of Canada lodge in Portage la Prairie in 1926, to oversee youth hockey in the city and to encourage boys to play and learn sportsmanship.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lornie Costigan Heads Portage Minor Hockey|date=November 25, 1926|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-25-1926-1784738/}}</ref>
===Portage Rink Company=== Sexsmith became the first president of the Portage Rink Company in 1919, and had been reelected every year since then.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /><ref name="jun-27-1941">{{cite news|title=Toby Sexsmith Is Re-Elected|date=June 27, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-27-1941-1783634/}}</ref> He continued to manage the Portage la Prairie intermediate level team within the MAHA,<ref>{{cite news|title=Selkirk, Brandon and Falcons to Compose Senior Hockey Loop|date=August 25, 1924|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-25-1924-1784733/}}</ref> and later facilitated discussions to host a three-team intermediate level league based at the rink.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage To Foster Three-Team Loop|date=November 23, 1929|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=32|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-23-1929-1784004/}}</ref>
The Portage Rink was destroyed by fire early in the morning on September 13, 1936. Due to windy conditions that night, the fire spread quickly and the building could not be saved. Insurance covered only $7000 in damages, and Sexsmith arranged a meeting of shareholders to plan a new building.<ref name="sep-14-1936" /> Portage la Prairie tax payers approved a by-law to begin construction of a new rink with a financial guarantee of $15,000 from the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage To Have Rink This Winter|date=November 4, 1936|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-04-1936-1768209/}}</ref> Work on the new arena began in late November 1936.<ref>{{cite news|title=Know Thursday When Work Will Commence On New Portage Rink|date=November 19, 1936|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-19-1936-1768215/}}</ref> The first game was played at the completed rink on January 13, 1937. The new Portage Rink was built using concrete, had seating for 1,900 spectators and standing room for another 700, included a public address system, and cost approximately $21,000 to build.<ref>{{cite news|title=Terriers Win As New Rink Opened|last=Buss|first=Johnny|date=January 14, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-14-1937-1768232/}}</ref>
Sexsmith requested tax exemptions for the company from the city, to allow it to repay its bondholders. He declared the company a profitable business by 1941, and was a year-round community operation for ice sports in the winter and dances in the summer.<ref name="jun-27-1941" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Portage Arena Has Successful Year, Sexsmith Reports|date=October 21, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-21-1941-1766716/}}</ref> He opened a skating bureau to accommodate the growing number of skating inquiries,<ref>{{cite news|title=Skating Bureau|date=November 1, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-01-1941-1766718/}}</ref> and saw proceeds from skating increase as ice hockey decreased during World War II.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage La Prairie|date=July 30, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-30-1943-1764521/}}</ref>
===Later involvement=== Sexsmith stated that ice hockey at the Olympic Games had become a farce by 1936, and should be eliminated. He felt that the money allocated to send a national team to Europe would be better spent on minor ice hockey in Canada. He was further opposed to the changes to the definition of amateur which the CAHA approved in 1936, which included allowing payments to players while away from work. He noted that the position of the MAHA as a whole was against the CAHA reforms that severed ties to the AAU of C.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manitoba Hockey Association Will Continue To Issue Amateur Cards|date=January 9, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=28|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-09-1937-1768229/}}</ref>
Sexsmith attended the silver jubilee for the MAHA in October 1938, with five of six past-presidents in attendance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Helped Make Many Wheels Go Round|date=October 25, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba |page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-25-1938-1768134/}}</ref> He also attended the silver jubilee for the CAHA in April 1939, with 11 of 13 past-presidents in attendance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nearly a Full House|date=April 11, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-11-1939-950328/}}</ref>
In October 1941, Sexsmith was elected to the Portage and District Hockey Club executive.<ref>{{cite news|title=Terriers Re-elect Jones|date=October 18, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-18-1941-1766715/}}</ref> By 1943, Sexsmith had sat on the MAHA executive committee for 25 years.<ref name="Armstrong" /> Since being president, he had served on the registration committee, and acted as convenor for the intermediate level playoffs and the junior ice hockey B-level division.<ref>{{cite news|title=Both Seek Ruling On Players From M.A.H.A.|date=December 4, 1934|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-04-1934-1766781/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Record List For M.A.H.A. Tournament|date=January 26, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-26-1937-1768237/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nine Teams In Junior "B" Hockey Series|date=February 26, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-26-1943-1764514/}}</ref>
==Political career== thumb|Manitoba Legislative Building|alt=Building exterior
Sexsmith served as secretary-treasurer of the Portage la Prairie Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba association for 25 years until 1933.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /><ref name="jan-01-1938" /><ref name="Silk">{{cite news|title=Six Manitoba Lawyers Take Silk In New Year's List of King's Counsel|date=January 1, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=9 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-jan-01-1938-1768086/}}</ref> On April 27, 1933, he was named as the Conservative candidate for the Portage la Prairie electoral district to replace Fawcett Taylor who resigned when he became a judge on the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba.<ref>{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith Is Named At Portage By Conservatives|date=April 27, 1933|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-apr-27-1933-1766725/}}</ref>
Sexsmith submitted a request at the first meeting of the provincial government since prorogation, to call a by-election to fill the vacancy in Portage la Prairie.<ref>{{cite news|title=Conservative Urges Election For Portage|date=May 5, 1933|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-may-05-1933-1766726/}}</ref> In the subsequent campaign, the ''Winnipeg Free Press'' reported that political issues were absent in the by-election, which seemed to a popularity contest between Sexsmith, and another local hockey figure in E. A. Gilroy who ran as an independent candidate. A third candidate, H. A. Ireland of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation was reported to be a long shot.<ref>{{cite news|title=Political Issues Absent In Portage By-Election|last=Hart|first=T. H.|date=November 25, 1933|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-nov-25-1933-1766728/}}</ref> Sexsmith won the 1933 by-election by 238 votes over Gilroy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Election Results|date=November 30, 1933|newspaper=MacGregor Herald|location=MacGregor, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-nov-30-1933-1766730/}}</ref>
===19th Manitoba Legislature=== Sexsmith served in the 19th Manitoba Legislature to represent the Portage la Prairie in opposition to the governing Liberal-Progressive coalition led by John Bracken.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/mla1933.shtml|title=Members of the Nineteenth Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (1933–1936)|website=Manitoba Historical Society|access-date=}}</ref> Sexsmith made his first speech in the legislature in March 1934, and declared himself a "true Blue Tory" and "a man of decided liberal and progressive views".<ref>{{cite news|title=In The Legislature|date=March 1, 1934|newspaper=Swan Valley Star and Times|location=Swan River, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-mar-01-1934-1766737/}}</ref>
Sexsmith was critical of legislation which changed the current drainage districts and readjusted the corresponding debentures. He felt that by appointing a commission, the government was avoiding an issue it could deal with directly. He noted that outdated systems could not adequately protect agriculture from floods, and new highway construction left some areas more vulnerable than others, and estimated the problem to cost $6-million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Barclay And Sexsmith Hit Drainage Bill|date=March 23, 1935|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-mar-23-1935-1766784/}}</ref> He sought to expedite negotiations with the Government of Canada for relief payments, and protect Manitoba from interest on infrastructure projects which included improvements to drainage.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanford Evans Urges Manitoba To Get Understanding On Relief Payments From Ottawa At Once|date=March 13, 1936|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-13-1936-1782901/}}</ref>
===20th Manitoba Legislature=== [[File:Battle at Great Wall, Laiyuan, Hebei, autumn 1937.jpg|thumb|Battle at the Great Wall of China, during the 1937 invasion by Japan|alt=Battle photo]]
Sexsmith and Gilroy ran against each other again in Portage la Prairie during the 1936 Manitoba general election. The ''Winnipeg Free Press'' described the election as a "Battle of Hockey Moguls". Gilroy was nominated this time as a Liberal-Progressive candidate, and had served as president of the CAHA from 1934 to 1936.<ref>{{cite news|title=Election Activity Increases|date=June 26, 1936|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-jun-26-1936-1768202/}}</ref> Sexsmith was re-elected to represent Portage la Prairie in the 20th Manitoba Legislature, receiving 1,727 votes compared to 1,279 for Gilroy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://canadianelectionsdatabase.ca/PHASE5/index.php?p=0&type=constituency&ID=3414|title=Portage La Prairie (Manitoba)|website=Canadian Elections Database|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://canadianelectionsdatabase.ca/PHASE5/index.php?p=0&type=person&ID=57336|title=E A Gilroy|website=Canadian Elections Database|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>
When the Manitoba legislature approved a motion to find ways to replace the existing income tax laws in 1937, Sexsmith stated the public had decided the existing tax laws be repealed and the motion misrepresented the position of the Conservative Party.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wage Tax Stands|date=April 15, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-apr-15-1937-1768240/}}</ref> Sexsmith supported a resolution calling for the Government of Canada to condemn the 1937 Japanese invasion of China, but did not support a boycott of Japanese goods. He felt the Manitoba legislature had no jurisdiction to regulate movement of goods which would be a national foreign policy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Legislators Prefer Protest To Boycott on Jap Goods|date=December 18, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-dec-18-1937-1768246/}}</ref>
During the 1938 sitting, Sexsmith responded to complaints against the Canadian Performing Rights Society by introducing a motion to limit the efforts of the society. He felt that collection of fees was detrimental to small businesses in which music was played, and it was an injustice to the public.<ref>{{cite news|title=Would End Radio Fee Right|date=January 26, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=5 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-jan-26-1938-1768116/}}</ref> He also sought to revise existing provincial legislation which "coddled people too much" who owed debts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Says Rural Folk Pay Up Taxes|date=February 8, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-feb-08-1938-1768121/}}</ref>
During the 1939 sitting, Sexsmith wanted to reintroduce the twelve-man jury system in Manitoba, which he felt was the better system. He noted that the older provinces in Canada had retained the larger jury, compared to the six-man jury being used in Western Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=More About Legislature (Continued from Page One)|date=April 7, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-apr-07-1939-1767880/}}</ref> He also motioned to reintroduce the {{convert|50|mph|km/h}} daytime speed limit in Manitoba, and stated that two-thirds of accidents on Manitoba highways were caused by excessive speed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Highway Speed Limited To 50|date=April 14, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-apr-14-1939-1767886/}}</ref> Sexsmith also remarked that, "No one in this province, with the possible exception of the premier when he flies by plane, need go faster than 50 miles an hour".<ref>{{cite news|title=50-Mile Speed Limit (Continued from Page 1)|date=April 14, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-apr-14-1939-1783371/}}</ref>
Sexsmith became chairman of the supporters of the Liberal-Progressive coalition government in October 1940.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /> In December 1940, he argued that the coalition government pushed bills too fast through the house for the good of the public. He felt that bills should be scrutinized by one of the standing committees and give members time to adequately read the bill, instead of referring the bill to the whole house as the committee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bills Go Through House Too Fast Says Sexsmith, Calling For Brakes|date=December 5, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=2 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-dec-05-1940-1766697/}}</ref> He also felt the government was too slow in following-up on a bill to prevent members of illegal organizations from seeking elected office, which he felt would be a danger after World War II.<ref>{{cite news|title=Supporters Rap Coalition Govt. For Tardiness|date=December 10, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-dec-10-1940-1766698/}}</ref>
===21st Manitoba Legislature=== thumb|Memorial Cup trophy|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a wide black plinth engraved with team names on silver plates.
Sexsmith was acclaimed in the 1941 Manitoba general election to represent Portage la Prairie in the 21st Manitoba Legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionsmanitoba.ca/downloads/HistoricalResultsSummaries/1941.pdf|title=Province of Manitoba Twenty-First General Election: Summary of Results|website=Elections Manitoba|access-date=May 22, 2020}}</ref> When Premier Bracken asked legislature members if they would agree to a nighttime session of parliament on March 27, Sexsmith was opposed to longer hours while the Portage Terriers were in the 1942 Memorial Cup playoffs and felt compelled to support his hometown team. The session was adjourned as many other members had tickets to that night's game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Much Work, Hockey Tilts Force House To Continue|date=March 27, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-27-1942-1764556/}}</ref> The Terriers went on to win Portage la Prairie its first Memorial Cup and national championship.<ref name="aug-23-1943" />
In March 1942, Sexsmith introduced a bill to allow Portage la Prairie to impose a 2% tax on liquor sales to its permit holders. He explained that similar to legislation existed in Winnipeg to raise funds, and that Portage la Prairie had not paid interest on its debts in three years and were struggling since relief payments from the province had been reduced. The bill passed a second reading by a 28–18 vote.<ref>{{cite news|title=House Over-Rides Bracken To Pass Portage Liquor Tax|date=March 28, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-28-1942-1764558/}}</ref> The law amendments committee rejected the bill by a 12–3 vote two days later.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage Liquor Tax Rejected|date=March 30, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-30-1942-1764561/}}</ref> Sexsmith then took the matter to the citizens of Portage la Prairie to decide on whether to support a plebiscite for the tax.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unanimous Yes Vote Urged In Portage|date=April 25, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-25-1942-1764568/}}</ref>
When the Manitoba legislature discussed redistribution of ridings according to representation by population in March 1943, Sexsmith and fellow rural members supported using a compromise between population and district representation. He felt that giving more voting power to Winnipeg was a worse inequality than the current district representation.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Legislature|last=Earl|first=L. F.|date=March 4, 1943|newspaper=Russell Banner|location=Russell, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/politics-clipping-mar-04-1943-1764516/}}</ref>
===Death in office=== Sexsmith died early in the morning on August 23, 1943, at Portage General Hospital, on his 58th birthday.<ref name="aug-26-1943">{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith Funeral Held|date=August 26, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=2 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-26-1943-1764530/}}</ref><ref name="WFP-aug-23-1943">{{cite news|title=W. R. Sexsmith Dies At Portage la Prairie|date=August 23, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-23-1943-1784810/}}</ref> He was admitted to the hospital a week prior for surgery but his condition worsened unexpectedly.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /> His funeral was held on August 26, 1943, at St. Mary's Anglican Church, and he was interred at Hillside Cemetery in Portage la Prairie.<ref name="aug-26-1943" /><ref name="WFP-aug-23-1943" />
While a member of the legislative assembly, Sexsmith was the only member known by his nickname.<ref name="mar-09-1943" /> He was succeeded by Charles Greenlay, who won the 1943 by-election to represent Portage la Prairie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/mla1941.shtml|title=Members of the Twenty-First Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (1941–1945)|website=Manitoba Historical Society|access-date=}}</ref>
==Personal life== thumb|Sexsmith's grave at Hillside Cemetery|alt=Red stone marker inscribed with Sexsmith's name
Sexsmith was an avid recreational hunter, and reportedly a good shot.<ref name="free-press-obit" /> He was a partial owner of a shooting lodge in Delta Beach, Manitoba, until the building was consumed by fire on November 1, 1920.<ref>{{cite news|title=Delta Shooting Lodge Burned To Ground In Saturday Fire|date=November 1, 1920|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-01-1920-1764307/}}</ref> He married Mildred Howell on November 19, 1927, and never had children.<ref name="aug-23-1943" /> He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada.<ref name="jan-01-1938" /><ref name="free-press-obit" /> He also served on the first council of the branch of St. John Ambulance Canada established in Portage la Prairie in December 1942.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Branch of St. John Ambulance at Portage|date=December 5, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-05-1942-1764578/}}</ref>
==Honours and legacy== Sexsmith was the guest of honour at a banquet for him by the citizens of Portage la Prairie in 1923, in recognition of his sporting accomplishments and service as president of the CAHA.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portage Honors W. R. Sexsmith|date=April 12, 1923|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-12-1923-1764334/}}</ref> He received a medal for his services to the CAHA in April 1933,<ref>{{cite news|title=Junior and Juvenile Hockey Champs Honored at Banquet|date=April 28, 1933|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press |location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-28-1933-1783693/}}</ref> and was named a King's Counsel on January 1, 1938, in recognition of his legal career.<ref name="Silk" /><ref name="jan-01-1938" /> He was also named as an honorary president of the MAHA, and the Portage Midget and Juvenile Hockey League.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sargent Explains N.H.L. Agreement|date=October 26, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-26-1942-1764575/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Portage Sport Notes|date=November 13, 1924|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-13-1924-1764360/}}</ref>
In his obituary, the ''Winnipeg Free Press'' credited Sexsmith as a person who tackled contentious issues, and gave sound advice and constructive criticism.<ref name="Armstrong" /> Stuart Garson, the Premier of Manitoba paid tribute to Sexsmith by praising his contribution to the community and encouragement of young people in sports, and said "Sexsmith was an exceptionally able member" of the legislature who was impartial and excelled at debate.<ref>{{cite news|title=No Repetition Of Past Blunders|date=October 19, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=2|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-19-1943-1764541/}}</ref> Sexsmith was recognized with a moment of silence at the 1943 general meeting of the MAHA,<ref>{{cite news|title=Sargent Clarifies Junior Situation|date=November 1, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-01-1943-1764546/}}</ref> and was posthumously made the namesake of the Toby Sexsmith Memorial Trophy awarded to the champion team of the B-level midget age group in Manitoba.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mywestman.ca/sports/5129-book-examines-neepawa-s-hockey-heritage|title=Book examines Neepawa's hockey heritage|last=Devereux|first=Eoin|date=April 14, 2016|work=Neepawa Press|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sexsmith, Toby}} Category:1885 births Category:1943 deaths Category:20th-century Canadian lawyers Category:20th-century members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Category:Canadian Amateur Hockey Association presidents Category:Canadian Anglicans Category:Canadian ice hockey officials Category:Canadian ice hockey players Category:Canadian King's Counsel Category:Canadian sports builders Category:Canadian sports executives and administrators Category:Canadian sportsperson-politicians from Manitoba Category:Ice hockey people from Manitoba Category:Lawyers in Manitoba Category:Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association executives Category:People from Lennox and Addington County Category:Politicians from Portage la Prairie Category:Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba MLAs Category:Sports venue managers Category:Sportspeople from Portage la Prairie