Robert Allan Pyne

"Robert Pyne" redirects here. For the Australian politician, see Rob Pyne.

Not to be confused with Robert Pine or Robert Edge Pine.

Robert Allan Pyne (October 29, 1853 – June 18, 1931) was an Ontario physician and political figure. He represented Toronto East and then Toronto Northeast in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Conservative member from 1898 to 1918.

Robert Allan Pyne
Ontario MPP
In office 1914–1918
Preceded by	New riding
Succeeded by	Henry John Cody
Constituency	Toronto Northeast - Seat A
In office 1898–1914
Preceded by	George Ryerson
Succeeded by	Riding abolished
Constituency	Toronto East
Personal details
Born	(1853-10-29)October 29, 1853 Newmarket, Canada West
Died	June 18, 1931(1931-06-18) (aged 77) Toronto, Ontario
Political party	Conservative
Spouse	Mary Isobel Macqueen
Alma mater	University of Toronto Queen's University
Occupation	Physician
Cabinet	Minister of Education (1905-1918)

Background

He was born in Newmarket, Canada West, the son of Doctor Thomas Pyne. He studied at the University of Toronto and Queen's University. Pyne served as secretary and treasurer for the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons. He married Mary Isobel Macqueen. He practiced medicine in Toronto and also served on the Toronto school board and Board of Health. He served as assistant surgeon in the local militia.^[1]

Politics

Pyne was Minister of Education from 1905 to 1918. He resigned his seat in 1918 and was named clerk for York County. Pyne was also a governor of the University of Toronto. During the war he was put in charge of establishing the Ontario Military Hospital at Orpington, Kent, England, at which time he was made a lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Army. During his lengthy absence G. Howard Ferguson served as Acting Minister of Education.