That's Eric Davidson, a local legend.  Blinded in the Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917, as were many that day.  The Imo and and Mont Blanc (a ship converted to carry munitions to Europe in WW1) collided in the harbour, resulting in a large fire that drew many onlookers.  When the Mont Blanc exploded many people who were near windows were blinded, many more killed.  IIRC something like 2000 people killed that day.  There are many stories surrounding the explosion, and I recall vividly the ones told by my Grandmother who survived it.

Eric was one of the survivors.  As I understand it, he worked for one of the local dealerships as a mechanic and later worked for Halifax City, working on the many vehicles in their fleet.  A buddy of mine belonged to the Halifax Antique Car Club at the same time as Eric, and recalled visiting him at his house one day.  As expected he used his heightened senses as a tool for tune ups.  Quite an amazing individual.

Here's a short vignette about him:

I actually have the book written by his daughter sitting in my 'to read' pile, waiting for me to have the time to sit down and read it one of these days...

MC wrote:

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The book:

https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/books/the-blind-mechanic

 

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I've read a newspaper article on him ... very interesting life!

I subscribe to Canada History magazine (used to be The Beaver) ... very good read. Canada history!

Very good point, whining for some is a natural reflex. It is kind of a coincidence, because when I read the book, around page 155, Marilyn Davidson Elliott, mentions that her brother and father,  Eric, traveled to Harvey Station New Brunswick to see a man that drove a steam car.  Well I immediately reached out to my wife and had her read the paragraph.  The man that Marilyn was talking about was Gordon Armstrong, my wife's uncle. The car that Gordon had was a 1917 Stanley Steamer. This itself is very coincidental, The Steamer and the incident that took Eric's sight , were the same year. We made contact, through the publishing company, and Marilyn Elliott Davidson , contacted us via email.  My wife and Marilyn had a few emails back and forth, and it was through these mails that Marilyn told my wife that there was a film made of Eric Davidson's life story by the National Film Board of Canada, the title was Just One of the Boys.  NFB525822 .  Actually, the book " The blind Mechanic " was more about Marilyn's reflection of her family life and how she remember both her Mom and Dad as life passed. You could tell through her memories , indeed a remarkable man. Knowing , through this read, he would have been an awesum neighbor to have next door.   Picture below is taken from NFB 525822, which is Gordon Armstrong on the left with Eric Davidson of the right,  two great guys.    

-- Edited by silver steak on Saturday 7th of March 2020 09:57:25 PM

-- Edited by silver steak on Saturday 7th of March 2020 09:59:49 PM

-- Edited by silver steak on Saturday 7th of March 2020 10:14:36 PM

Thanks for the info.  I just tried to look up the film on NFB's website (https://www.nfb.ca/) but couldn't find it.  I'll keep looking.