Roland Michener

Daniel Roland Michener was born in Lacombe, Alberta, and attended Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, becoming close friends with future Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Serving as Speaker of the House of Commons from 1957 to 1962, Michener is remembered as one of the fairest and most respected Speakers in parliamentary history.

Appointed Governor General in Canada's Centennial year of 1967, Michener democratized vice-regal customs, opening Rideau Hall grounds to the public, dropping women's mandatory curtsies, and opening Canada's Order of Canada honours system. A lifelong jogger, he served as honorary patron of the national fitness movement ParticipACTION. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.