Keith Davey, Legendary Liberal Strategist, Dies at Age 84

The man known as “the Rainmaker” helped revitalize the Liberal party during the 1960s.

When Davey arrived in Ottawa in 1960s the Liberals were mired in opposition status, but as national campaign director he managed to turn their fortunes around, laying the groundwork for a legacy that would see Liberals serve as prime minister for 19 of the next 20 years. He earned the nickname “Rainmaker” for his ability to make fertile political ground out of any situation, and in gratitude Lester B. Pearson appointed him to the Senate in 1966. He also served briefly as the commissioner of the CFL and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the past 15 years, and died Monday in his hometown of Toronto.