Illsley, Hugh Percival, 1896-1992

Hugh Percival Illsley was born in Montreal.
He began studies at McGill University School of Architecture in 1914. At the same time, he joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps at McGill. He furthered his architectural training in the office the Montreal architects Edward & William S. Maxwell whom he joined that year. He left to fight in World War I as a machine gunner, then as observer and then pilot for the Royal Flight Corps.

On his return to Canada in 1919, he was offered his first architectural job, with the firm Ross and MacDonald. In the 1930s he moved to John S. Archibald Architects The firm changed names several times: in 1934, the architectural firm of Archibald, Illsley and Templeton was created. Illsley later began his own firm, H. P. Illsley, which eventually bought the Archibald firm. Among his architectural projects were the Montreal Forum, the Masonic temple on Sherbrooke St. in Montreal, Manoir Richelieu, and the Post Office building at University Ave. and Cathcart St. in Montreal.

Throughout his career, Illsley maintained involvement with the military. Poor health prevented him from serving as a pilot in World War II, but he helped organize the first air cadet squadron to be formed in Canada under the Air Cadet League. Illsley was the Commanding Officer. With over 300 members, the Squadron trained in Westmount High School, using the Royal Montreal Regiment Armoury for drill and recreation purposes. Illsley designed their first uniform.

He retired in 1976 and died in 1992.