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Choosing newspaper work as
a life work, Cohn G. Groff had the advantage of an early start in a
profession that calls for mental alertness and talent not absolute
requisites in other vocations, but highly essential in order to achieve
success in the newspaper field. He is therefore exceptionally well
qualified for discharging the responsible duties of provincial publicity
commissioner and is proving an able incumbent in the office. He was born
at Selkirk, Manitoba, March 14, 1885, and is of Scotch and English
descent. His parents were Alexander R. and Annie J. (Gemmel) Groff, the
former of whom was born in Ontario in 1858, while the latter was a
native of Toronto.
Colin G. Groff acquired
his education in the grammar and high schools of Dundas, Ontario, and as
a boy he learned the printer's trade, later taking up newspaper work. He
came to Alberta in 1905 and for seven years was connected with the
publication of Edmonton papers. For three years he published a weekly
paper in southern Alberta and later he was news editor for the
Lethbridge Herald and the Calgary Albertan. He became recognized as one
of the leading newspaper men of western Canada and his ability in this
connection led to his appointment as publicity commissioner for the
province of Alberta, on the 1st of January, 1922, to succeed the late
James McCaig. Broad practical experience has given him an expert
knowledge of the work of which he has charge and his public service is
distinguished by marked efficiency and devotion to duty.
Mr. Groff was married in
Edmonton, on the 18th of November, 1908, to Miss Katharine Gordon
Wilson, a daughter of James Wilson, deceased, formerly a prominent
merchant of Chatham, Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. Groff have four children. Mr.
Groff is independent in his political views and while a resident of
Taber, Alberta, he served as a member of the school board for a term of
two years. He was formerly a member of the Calgary Rotary Club, while in
religious faith he is a Presbyterian. He takes a keen interest in public
affairs, on which he keeps well informed, and has always supported moral
interests, fair dealing and the cause of good government. |
