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Wallace McCain Obituary
McCain, co-founder of McCain Foods and chairman of Maple Leaf Foods, died Friday night in Toronto after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
The death was announced by the board of directors of Maple Leaf Foods on Saturday.
"Wallace made an indelible impact on Maple Leaf Foods, our country and the food industry globally," said Purdy Crawford, lead director of the board of directors.
Former prime minister Paul Martin praised McCain as a great Canadian.
"What he built in business is now part of our history. But what should be known as well was his infectious sense of humor, his compassion and his generosity to so many causes dedicated to making the lives of Canadians better, " Martin said in a statement.
McCain's friend, former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna, called him "a local hero, a national champion and a global leader."
"There will never be another like Wallace McCain. He had a rare combination of energy, passion, business acumen and generosity," said McKenna, deputy chairman of TD Bank Group.
Industrialist James Irving, whose family businesses competed with McCain's enterprises on more than one front in Atlantic Canada, said he was "truly saddened" by McCain's death.
"Our relationship goes back a great number of years and I have many wonderful memories."
The secret to McCain's corporate success? Always look forward.
"No matter how good (brother) Harrison and I, and our people, were in our day, it should never be the same," Wallace McCain once said. "Great companies renew themselves."
McCain and Harrison founded the New Brunswick-based McCain Foods Ltd. in 1956, building it into one of the globe's largest frozen food companies which now operates in 44 countries and produces more frozen french fries than any other company in the world.
The two were following in the steps of their father, who owned a seed potato exporting business in their hometown of Florenceville, N.B. They hired 30 employees at their new plant and sold $152,000 worth of fries in their first year.
But as consumers craved the convenience of prepared foods, the company grew into more than small potatoes — expanding into the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States in less than 15 years.
Throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s, McCain snapped up European and American businesses, expanding into the frozen pizza, vegetable and fish processing markets, and juice business, and ramping up its number of plants around the world.
But in 1994, McCain was forced out as co-CEO after a bitter public feud with his older brother about who would take over the company. Wallace wanted his son Michael to take the reigns, but Harrison preferred outside managers. More than $20 million in legal fees later, courts sided with Harrison, who later went on to name his nephew Allison McCain as his successor. Harrison died in 2004.
New Brunswick Premier David Alward said the province will always be grateful for McCain's "immense contribution" to the company that has helped fuel its economy for decades.
"Over the years, the McCains created and maintained good jobs for many people in Carleton County and throughout our province, and they still do today," he said in a statement.
Although Wallace McCain left the New Brunswick food company, he remained a board member and vice-chairman and still owned one third, but he couldn't stay out of the business that made him one of the world's richest people.
In 1995, he became an Officer of the Order of Canada. That same year he and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan bought Toronto-based Maple Leaf Foods, maker of deli meats, bread and other prepared foods. That company grew to more than 21,000 employees under his supervision, increasing his status as one of the richest people in the world.
His son Michael now runs Maple Leaf Foods (TSX:MFI) as CEO of the company.
Until his death, Wallace McCain also sat on the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (TSX:BAM.A) and the Maple Leaf subsidiary Canada Bread (TSX:CBY).
Last year, Forbes Magazine listed Wallace McCain as No. 421 on its annual list of richest billionaires worldwide, giving him a personal net worth of $2.3 billion.
McCain was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 1993 and its current head praised him for business leadership that has increased Canada's profile around the world.
"He has demonstrated the qualities necessary to ensure the success and competitiveness of Canada in a global marketplace," Ross Maund, the president and CEO said in a statement.
"Mr. McCain's commitment to entrepreneurship has paved the way for young Canadians to develop their own entrepreneurial spirit and excel in tomorrow's business world."
But McCain extended into philanthropy as well, fundraising for the National Ballet School, establishing an entrepreneur training institute in his name at the University of New Brunswick, and sitting as a board member of Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.
"I liked making money," Wallace once said, "but I love giving it away even more."
According to his wife Margaret, the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, she and Wallace believed that devotion to family and a strong work ethic were essential, as was dedication to the church and community. They founded and annually funded their family foundation, which champions and researches early childhood programs and policies across Canada.
Mavis Staines, artistic director and co-CEO of the National Ballet School, said the organization had lost a great supporter.
"Through this role I also am blessed to have become friends with Margaret and Wallace McCain," Staines said.
"Without their tireless dedication to NBS, we quite simply would not be the school we are today. NBS went from having the worst facilities in the world, to having the best and most beautiful. Thanks to their tireless and impassioned support, NBS students' exploration of their exceptional talent now has a fitting home."
Wallace is survived by his wife Margaret, his four children and nine grandchildren
. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Wallace McCain
30 Entries
L. Turner
May 19, 2011
I feel as many others that the loss of a loved one can cause great grief and pain. But we all can take courage in knowing that our God and Father, will cause grief and sighing to flee away.(Isaiah 35:10).
May 18, 2011
May it comfort you to know the God of all comfort as well as others care about your feelings at this time.
Victoria&Andrew
May 17, 2011
GodBless you
Mr.Wallace McCain
Brian & Brenda (Stephenson) Winchester
May 16, 2011
Dear Margie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Scott, Michael, Martha, Eleanor and their families. I have many fond memories of Wallace especially his kindness to me the year I lived in Australia. He will certainly be missed by all.
Cathy Parsons
May 16, 2011
Dear Margie and family; Our sympathies and prayers to you all during thisvery difficult time. Todd and I often remember so very fondly our Florenceville days. We often talk about when we arrived in Florenceville all those years ago two young 24 year olds, leaving NL for the first time and Todd joined McCain foods. It didn't take long for us to realize that when you joined McCain foods you weren't just an employee but you became a part of a very large family. Not just Todd but myself as well. Wallace was a very big part of the reason we felt that way. Of course my memories were not of Wallace the business man. I remember things like being at a function and Wallace being so warm, taking time to have a little chat and when he'd smile, his smile would go right into his eyes and they would light up and you'd know how genuine and caring he was.
Much love to you all
Ian Fergus Cross
May 16, 2011
Dear Margie, my sympathies to you and your family. I will never forget the great times and stories Wallace and I shared out in the boat.
Shelley Rinehart
May 16, 2011
Scott
Please accept our heart felt condolences on the loss of your Father. I hope that the many memories you have will help ease the pain of this very difficult time.
Shelley Rinehart & Richard Lee
Saint John New Brunswick
May 16, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to the McCain family= May our Heavenly Father the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. (2Cor 1:3,4) Gail. Al.
May 15, 2011
Mayor Ivan Court and Members of Common Council of the City of Saint John express their deepest sympathies to the McCain family. Wallace’s entrepreneurial vision and drive was only exceeded by his benevolent spirit.
Kathy Hartigan-MacKillop
May 15, 2011
Scott and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 15, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the family of Wallace Mccain,I worked for the company for 36years here in the uk and remember his visits F Agar Scarborough England
May 15, 2011
I GAVE MY CONDOLENCES TO THE MCCAIN FAMILY.PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT ECCLESIASTES 9;11.AW.HOUSTON,TX.
Tom & Brenda Trafford
May 15, 2011
Margie, please know that Tom and I are thinking of you with sympathy. We know you will have strength and courage as you take your next step in God's grand plan. Wally will surely help you on your new path.
We have both always admired and appreciated you, especially your warmth ...Tom as your Mt A classsmate and for me since that day in 1953 when I stepped into your room in Allison Hall as a Mt A freshette and found there a welcome I've never forgotten. With Love.....
May 15, 2011
Found this picture of Wallace on the football team. Regards, Jumpin Jack Proud
Jumpin Jack Proud
May 15, 2011
Dear Margaret & Family - So sorry to hear about Wallace's passing. I remember many good days at Acadia when Wallace managed the football team, also when you stayed at our cottages at Stanhope. He will surely be missed by the industrial world. My prayers are with you and your family.
Graham Smyth
May 15, 2011
It was my privilege to know the McCain family through the Mount Allsion University connection. I cannot remember Mr. MaCain without a smile on his face and a cheerful word. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
L. Allen
May 15, 2011
What an amazing life story! To the family & friends of Mr. McCain, I offer my sincere condolences. Despite enduring a long illness & knowing the inevitable, losing a loved one in death is one of the most difficult experiences a human can face. I found the advice at Psalm 55:22 to be very helpful to me and I hope it will bring you a measure of comfort as well.
Ed Higgins
May 15, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the McCain family. It is obvious Mr. McCain was a fine gentleman and a person who all of New Brunswick as well as Atlantic Canada were proud to call one of their own. Your contributions to the people of Florenceville as well as Canada will long be remembered. RIP
Jon Lodi
May 14, 2011
As a chef and foodservice person for almost 50 years I know the fine products that Mr. Mccain and his company produced. As a most caring and innovative man, Mr. Mccain's service to the nation of Canada and it's people both in a spiritual nature and in business matters will always be rememebered. Our prayers are with your family during this most difficult time
Shayla Steeves
May 14, 2011
Dear McCain family, My deepest sympathy is extended to you at this difficult time. I have fond memories of meeting Mr. McCain when I first started at Mount Allison and became friends with Eleanor during orientation week. I remember him teaching us the 'moose dance' and being so supportive of our dreams. He was inspirational and an extraordinary person. Peace, prayers, and blessings.
R Golay
May 14, 2011
To the the family of Wallace McCain - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Terry Sontag
May 14, 2011
My sympathies to the McCain family. Because of Wallace's hard work the McCain name became a major name known across the frozen foods business worldwide. He was an outstanding business man and a great human being. He will be missed.
May 14, 2011
To the family and friends of Mr.Wallace.... My deepest sympathy ,know that God is near to those who are broken at heart and those crushed in spirt he comforts.
Barbara Floyd
May 14, 2011
Idon't know your lost,but reading his obituary he seems to be a caring person sharing with other's. Sorry,for the lost of your dear love one,he will be surely missed.
barb kravitz
May 14, 2011
Sounds like a great guy..R.I.P.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
May 14, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Colette (Kilfoil) Armour
May 14, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Mr. McCain`s family. Many a weekend and summer I worked at McCains, either on the green crop, painting, on the french fry line, etc when I was in High School and later, working some in Telesales. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
A Robinson
May 14, 2011
Please accept my condolences. May family and friends be comforted by the wonderful Scriptural promise: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
May 14, 2011
Mister McCain, will be missed his smile and his brillance may god have much love and guidance for his beloved family.
judith lee
May 14, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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