William Hobart Molson (January 1888 - November 1951) was a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the industrious Molson family.
William was the only son of Dr. William Alexander Molson & Esther Shepherd. After some months in the 20th Reserve Battalion in England, he proceeded to the 42nd Battalion, "Black Watch", in France. He gained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service during the First World War at the Battle of Arras in 1918. He was one of thirty-four Molson family members to serve in WWI; five were killed and thirteen wounded.
Captain Molson moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 1925 with his wife and son Andrew, In 1926 Mrs. Molson died giving birth to 2nd son, David Molson. Captain Molson served as an Aide-de-Camp to Lt. Governor R. Randolph Bruce from 1926 to 1931. He re-married in 1931 to Bruce's niece, Madge Mackenzie, who had acted as her uncle's hostess. Two daughters were the issue of this marriage.
Apart from service in the R.C.A.F. in WWII, Captain Molson lead a quiet life. His family name, associated with Molson Bank, Molson Brewery, and various business interests including early railroading and shipping, is well known. He continued to act as Aide-de-Camp until his death November, 1951 at the age of 63 years. [1]