Grassi, Lawrence

Lawrence Grassi, born Andrea Lorenzo Grassi on December 20,1890, in Falmenta, Piedmonte, Italy, immigrated to Ontario in 1912, to work for the CPR. Four years later, he moved to Canmore, Alberta to work as a coal miner for the next 30 years, until his retirement in 1955. He then worked as assistant warden of Lake O’Hara, living in a small cabin on the lake’s edge.

His true legacy lies in his role as a highly skilled guide and mountain climber. For those of us drawn to the beauty of the Rockies, Lawrence built some of the most beloved trails

around Canmore, Lake O’Hara and Yoho National Parks. If you have enjoyed Grassi Lakes, or Lake Oesa, you have likely walked on stones carefully placed by Lawrence himself. He was a master trail builder, with craftsmanship and an eye to artistry and accessibility.

With rudimentary tools and accepting no payment for his work, Lawrence opened the beauty of this place, that he loved, to all. Says Banff writer Jon Whyte, “We may be in awe of the pyramids; we should be in awe of Lawrence’s accomplishment, for on the Nile’s edge, two or three hundred workers heaved a stone in the cool Egyptian winter, while Lawrence worked alone”.

Lawrence passed away in Canmore in 1980, but his name is preserved on trails and mountains throughout this place he loved. Think of him as you enjoy your next visit to Lake O’Hara or Grassi Lakes and say a silent thank you to this humble man in suspenders, who made it possible.

Photo: Lawrence Grassi standing on Princess Margaret Mountain circa 1920 (open domain)

Written by: Kathy Savoia

Sources: see Resources Page under “Grassi”

Editorial Review: Reviewed and formatted by the Calgary Italian History Project for web publication