A man who served with distinction in many fields of agriculture but whose greatest contribution to the industry stems from the role which he played in the development of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

During the latter part of the 19th century Alex Westervelt became secretary of the Dominion Cattle, Sheep and Swine Breeders’ Associations. In 1901 he was appointed manager of the Ontario Provincial Winter Fair. When the Ontario Livestock Branch was formed in 1906, he was selected to serve as director, a position that he held until 1913. During the latter year he resigned to accept a position with the Federal Department of Agriculture and while in Ottawa, played a leading role in the establishment of the marketing service, particularly that branch of the service which deals in the reporting of sales on public stock yards.

When the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair encountered management problems, he was selected to serve as general manager. He managed the first show in 1922 and all succeeding shows until the time of his death in 1936.

Although he served in many positions, he contributed much to the welfare of every organization with which he was associated.