History of Creighton, Victor, Alexander, Hayward, Morison and Hall LLP

1885 - 2008
(Click link to read Bio.)

J. F. Grierson

Grierson & Creighton

Grierson, Creighton & Fraser

Creighton & Fraser

Creighton, Fraser & Drynan

Creighton, Fraser, Drynan & Murdoch

Creighton, Drynan & Murdoch

Creighton, Drynan, Murdoch & Victor

Creighton, Murdoch, Victor & Alexander

Creighton, Victor & Alexander

Creighton, Victor, Alexander & Hayward

Creighton, Victor, Alexander, Hayward & Morison

Creighton, Victor, Alexander, Hayward, Morison & Hall LLP

LT. COL. J.F. GRIERSON (1860 - 1951)
John Frederick Grierson, the son of Oshawa's first police Magistrate (Col. G.H. Grierson), received his preliminary education in the schools of Oshawa and Whitby and then attended University of Toronto (Trinity), graduating in 1882. In 1885, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School establishing himself in practice in his hometown of Oshawa. His lifelong interest in the military began when he saw action as a young private in the Queen's Own Rifles at Cut Knife Hill in the Northwest Rebellion (Louis Riel Rebellion). Later, he became Commanding Officer (1910-1913) of the 43th Ontario Regiment and was apparently very popular among his officers and his men. His service in Canada's militia covered more than 30 years including being one of two men chosen by the Federal Government to select the site of the Oshawa Armouries. During his lifetime, Col. Grierson was a member of The Thirty Club (established in 1892), a member of Oshawa City Council for 6 years, Crown Attorney for 5 years and was on the library board for 50 years. In addition, he was Oshawa's town solicitor for over 25 years and was instrumental with Mayor W.J. Trick in the incorporation of Oshawa as Ontario's 25th City in 1924. He was a Mason, an Oddfellow, a Knight of Pytthias and President of the Oshawa branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund. The tall, lean figure of the ruddy faced Colonel was a familiar sight to Oshawans until his death in 1951 at the age of 91. Return to top

LT. COL. J.F. GRIERSON (1860 - 1951)

John Frederick Grierson, the son of Oshawa's first police Magistrate (Col. G.H. Grierson), received his preliminary education in the schools of Oshawa and Whitby and then attended University of Toronto (Trinity), graduating in 1882. In 1885, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School establishing himself in practice in his hometown of Oshawa.

His lifelong interest in the military began when he saw action as a young private in the Queen's Own Rifles at Cut Knife Hill in the Northwest Rebellion (Louis Riel Rebellion). Later, he became Commanding Officer (1910-1913) of the 43th Ontario Regiment and was apparently very popular among his officers and his men. His service in Canada's militia covered more than 30 years including being one of two men chosen by the Federal Government to select the site of the Oshawa Armouries.

During his lifetime, Col. Grierson was a member of The Thirty Club (established in 1892), a member of Oshawa City Council for 6 years, Crown Attorney for 5 years and was on the library board for 50 years. In addition, he was Oshawa's town solicitor for over 25 years and was instrumental with Mayor W.J. Trick in the incorporation of Oshawa as Ontario's 25th City in 1924.

He was a Mason, an Oddfellow, a Knight of Pytthias and President of the Oshawa branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund.

The tall, lean figure of the ruddy faced Colonel was a familiar sight to Oshawans until his death in 1951 at the age of 91.

Return to top

T. KELSO "KELLY" CREIGHTON, Q.C. (1892 - 1973)
A native of Dorchester, Ontario, Mr. Creighton attended high school in London, Ontario and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1916. He joined the 75th Canadian Infantry Battalion during the First World War and saw action overseas before being seriously wounded at Vimy Ridge in 1917. He was invalided to Canada where he continued the fight by selling War Bonds in Canada and the U.S.A. In 1919, he was called to the Bar after completing his studies in law at Osgoode Hall. In that same year, he was convinced by Col. J.F. Grierson to come to Oshawa and enter into practice with him. Mr. Creighton was very prominent in many aspects of community life. He was Chairman of the Oshawa General Hospital Board, President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, President of the Oshawa Golf Club, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ontario Ladies College, Chairman of the Trustee Board of Simcoe Street United Church, President of the Canadian Club of Oshawa, Honorary Member of the Officers' Mess of the Ontario Regiment, Honorary President and life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Honorary President of the General W. Sikorski Polish Veterans Association and Chairman of the Board of the Central Ontario Trust Company. Mr. Creighton also served as Magistrate for a number of years and was the City Solicitor from 1935 until 1951. He was appointed a King's Counsel in 1938 and was Oshawa's representative at Queen's Park from 1945 to 1948. He was also a member of the Oshawa Police Commission (1930-1934) and was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Later, he was appointed a Life Bencher. "Kelly" was described by his peers as a lovable man, quiet, dignified, modest and honest with great capacities for leadership. The community and the province were surely enriched by his contribution in public life and the practice of his profession. Return to top

T. KELSO "KELLY" CREIGHTON, Q.C. (1892 - 1973)

A native of Dorchester, Ontario, Mr. Creighton attended high school in London, Ontario and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 1916. He joined the 75th Canadian Infantry Battalion during the First World War and saw action overseas before being seriously wounded at Vimy Ridge in 1917. He was invalided to Canada where he continued the fight by selling War Bonds in Canada and the U.S.A.

In 1919, he was called to the Bar after completing his studies in law at Osgoode Hall. In that same year, he was convinced by Col. J.F. Grierson to come to Oshawa and enter into practice with him.

Mr. Creighton was very prominent in many aspects of community life. He was Chairman of the Oshawa General Hospital Board, President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, President of the Oshawa Golf Club, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ontario Ladies College, Chairman of the Trustee Board of Simcoe Street United Church, President of the Canadian Club of Oshawa, Honorary Member of the Officers' Mess of the Ontario Regiment, Honorary President and life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Honorary President of the General W. Sikorski Polish Veterans Association and Chairman of the Board of the Central Ontario Trust Company.

Mr. Creighton also served as Magistrate for a number of years and was the City Solicitor from 1935 until 1951. He was appointed a King's Counsel in 1938 and was Oshawa's representative at Queen's Park from 1945 to 1948. He was also a member of the Oshawa Police Commission (1930-1934) and was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Later, he was appointed a Life Bencher.

"Kelly" was described by his peers as a lovable man, quiet, dignified, modest and honest with great capacities for leadership. The community and the province were surely enriched by his contribution in public life and the practice of his profession.

Return to top

MR. JUSTICE NEIL CRYAN FRASER, M.B.E. (1903-1977)
Neil Fraser, the son of a Presbyterian Minister, was born on March 11, 1903 in Uxbridge, where he attended the local elementary and secondary schools. He then attended Queen's University, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in 1925. Having articled with Grierson & Creighton, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1928 and joined the firm, which later became Grierson, Creighton & Fraser. In 1941, Neil went overseas with the Canadian Armed Forces and became the Judge Advocate General of the 2nd Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and working on the Kurt Meyer prosecution. In 1945, he returned to Oshawa and continued his legal career with the firm. In 1946, Neil was made a Member of the British Empire. He was also a President of the Oshawa Kiwanis Club, involved with the Ontario Regiment, and active in municipal politics in the Township of East Whitby. In 1961, he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Ontario and after a distinguished career as a jurist, passed away in 1977. Return to top

MR. JUSTICE NEIL CRYAN FRASER, M.B.E. (1903-1977)

Neil Fraser, the son of a Presbyterian Minister, was born on March 11, 1903 in Uxbridge, where he attended the local elementary and secondary schools. He then attended Queen's University, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in 1925. Having articled with Grierson & Creighton, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1928 and joined the firm, which later became Grierson, Creighton & Fraser.

In 1941, Neil went overseas with the Canadian Armed Forces and became the Judge Advocate General of the 2nd Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and working on the Kurt Meyer prosecution. In 1945, he returned to Oshawa and continued his legal career with the firm.

In 1946, Neil was made a Member of the British Empire. He was also a President of the Oshawa Kiwanis Club, involved with the Ontario Regiment, and active in municipal politics in the Township of East Whitby.

In 1961, he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Ontario and after a distinguished career as a jurist, passed away in 1977.

Return to top

GEORGE K. DRYNAN, Q.C. (1911-2000)
George attended elementary and high school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He then graduated from the University of Toronto in 1934, obtaining first class honours in the Honours Law Course. After attending Osgoode Law School, he was called to the Bar in 1937. During World War II, he served overseas in the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Irish Regiment of Canada and was wounded in Italy. He served on the First Canadian War Crimes Investigation Unit until 1946. Later, Neil Fraser convinced him to come to Oshawa and join the firm of Creighton & Fraser. George has been active in community life as a former Trustee of the Board of Education, City Alderman, active member in the Royal Canadian Legion and the Creek Valley Conservation Committee. He was also a founding member of the Oshawa Little Theatre, a member of the Oshawa Public Library Board, a Rotarian and Vice-President of the Library Boards of Ontario. George was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1961. As well as a member of the Canadian Bar and local Law Associations, he has always been very active in politics and was area director for the Legal Aid Plan for a number of years. George retired from the firm in 1972. Return to top

GEORGE K. DRYNAN, Q.C. (1911-2000)

George attended elementary and high school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He then graduated from the University of Toronto in 1934, obtaining first class honours in the Honours Law Course. After attending Osgoode Law School, he was called to the Bar in 1937.

During World War II, he served overseas in the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Irish Regiment of Canada and was wounded in Italy. He served on the First Canadian War Crimes Investigation Unit until 1946. Later, Neil Fraser convinced him to come to Oshawa and join the firm of Creighton & Fraser.

George has been active in community life as a former Trustee of the Board of Education, City Alderman, active member in the Royal Canadian Legion and the Creek Valley Conservation Committee. He was also a founding member of the Oshawa Little Theatre, a member of the Oshawa Public Library Board, a Rotarian and Vice-President of the Library Boards of Ontario. George was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1961.

As well as a member of the Canadian Bar and local Law Associations, he has always been very active in politics and was area director for the Legal Aid Plan for a number of years. George retired from the firm in 1972.

Return to top

THE HONOURABLE JUDGE GILBERT LOGAN MURDOCH (1916 - 2007)
Gilbert ("Gib") Logan Murdoch was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He attended Hopewell Public School and Glebe Collegiate in Ottawa before obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce at Queen's University. He worked for one year at General Electric before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a navigator during World War II. After attending Osgoode Hall, he was called to the Bar in 1949. He joined Creighton, Fraser & Drynan in 1951 and practiced law in Oshawa for the next 25 years, being appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1967. Gib was the senior partner in 1975 when he moved the firm to our present offices at 235 King Street East, after more than 60 years at "Oshawa's Four Corners". In 1976, Gib was appointed a judge of the County Court (now District Court) at Peterborough. During his years with the firm, Gib was active in politics and community organizations. He was President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, President of the 420 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Chairman of the Board of Managers at Knox Presbyterian Church and a City Alderman for four years. Return to top

THE HONOURABLE JUDGE GILBERT LOGAN MURDOCH (1916 - 2007)

Gilbert ("Gib") Logan Murdoch was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He attended Hopewell Public School and Glebe Collegiate in Ottawa before obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce at Queen's University. He worked for one year at General Electric before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a navigator during World War II. After attending Osgoode Hall, he was called to the Bar in 1949. He joined Creighton, Fraser & Drynan in 1951 and practiced law in Oshawa for the next 25 years, being appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1967.

Gib was the senior partner in 1975 when he moved the firm to our present offices at 235 King Street East, after more than 60 years at "Oshawa's Four Corners". In 1976, Gib was appointed a judge of the County Court (now District Court) at Peterborough.

During his years with the firm, Gib was active in politics and community organizations. He was President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, President of the 420 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Chairman of the Board of Managers at Knox Presbyterian Church and a City Alderman for four years.

Return to top

JOSEPH C. VICTOR, B.A., L.L.B., Q.C. (1917 - 2005)
	Joe was a native of Oshawa and attended Ritson Road Public School and Oshawa Collegiate and Vocational Institute (now O'Neill). For the next 20 years, Joe was involved in the retail trade as proprietor of Victor's Sports & Cycle. In 1935, he formed the Victor Cycling Club and in the following years this organization brought many honours to the City and became known as one of the leaders in the development of racing cyclists. During World War II, he was a member of the Armed Forces, holding the rank of non-commissioned officer, as an instructor with the Canadian Armoured Corps.
In 1955, at the age of 38, Joe decided to return to school. He attended the University of Toronto (University College), obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in 1958 and Osgoode Hall in 1961, earning his Bachelor of Laws . He articled with Creighton, Fraser, Drynan & Murdoch and was called to the Bar in 1963. Joe became a partner of the firm in 1965 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1975. Throughout his life, Joe was involved in many community affairs, such as; City Alderman (1951-1955), member of the Executive of the Kinsmen Club of Oshawa, President and Life Member of Oshawa Minor Hockey Association, President and Life Member of Oshawa Minor Softball Association, Honourary Vice-President of the General W. Sikorski Polish Veterans Association, Vice-President and Life Member of the Canadian Wheelmen's Association, (now Canadian Cycling Association), and a member of Regional, Provincial and Federal Bar Associations. Return to top

JOSEPH C. VICTOR, B.A., L.L.B., Q.C. (1917 - 2005)

Joe was a native of Oshawa and attended Ritson Road Public School and Oshawa Collegiate and Vocational Institute (now O'Neill). For the next 20 years, Joe was involved in the retail trade as proprietor of Victor's Sports & Cycle. In 1935, he formed the Victor Cycling Club and in the following years this organization brought many honours to the City and became known as one of the leaders in the development of racing cyclists.

During World War II, he was a member of the Armed Forces, holding the rank of non-commissioned officer, as an instructor with the Canadian Armoured Corps.

In 1955, at the age of 38, Joe decided to return to school. He attended the University of Toronto (University College), obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in 1958 and Osgoode Hall in 1961, earning his Bachelor of Laws . He articled with Creighton, Fraser, Drynan & Murdoch and was called to the Bar in 1963. Joe became a partner of the firm in 1965 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1975.

Throughout his life, Joe was involved in many community affairs, such as; City Alderman (1951-1955), member of the Executive of the Kinsmen Club of Oshawa, President and Life Member of Oshawa Minor Hockey Association, President and Life Member of Oshawa Minor Softball Association, Honourary Vice-President of the General W. Sikorski Polish Veterans Association, Vice-President and Life Member of the Canadian Wheelmen's Association, (now Canadian Cycling Association), and a member of Regional, Provincial and Federal Bar Associations.

Return to top