Canadian railwayman. Born in Charlestown (Fife), Whyte began his career as a clerk on the Earl of Elgin's estate at nearby Broomhall. He then briefly worked for the West of Fife Railway before emigrating to Canada in 1863, where he obtained the position of a brakeman with the Grand Trunk Railway. He rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Superintendent of the Central Division of the Grand Trunk by 1883, then Superintendent of the Ontario and Quebec Railway and then Superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway's Western Division. In 1899, he was asked to assist the company's President, Thomas George Shaughnessy, and was soon appointed as a Vice President. He was responsible for considerable growth of the Canadian Pacific's network. He retired in 1911 and was knighted the same year, continuing the serve on the Canadian Pacific's Board, and also on the boards of several other companies.
Whyte died in San Diego (USA) and lies buried in Winnipeg (Canada).
