Dr. William Sauder Dies

British Columbia Mourns The Loss Of A Business Pioneer

Dr. William Sauder died today. Real estate practitioners will recognize the name from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. It is through this institution that we all earn our licenses and others continue their education through the Urban Land Economics courses offered via distance education. Premier Gordon Campbell had this to say of Dr. Sauder’s passing:

“Today British Columbians mourn the loss of Bill Sauder, a leader in the forest industry, in education and health. As chairman and CEO of International Forest Products Ltd. for over 25 years, he oversaw the company’s development and growth into one of Canada’s most successful operations. Bill combined his success in business with a personal commitment to outstanding community service that has benefited people and institutions throughout the province.

“Bill’s contributions to education and health research at UBC are almost immeasurable. He served the university in several capacities, including two terms as chancellor. Thanks to his and his family’s generosity, UBC has two Chairs and two Professorships in infectious and viral disease research, cardiology and stroke research. In 2003, a $20-million endowment from Bill and his wife Marjorie-Anne helped the university create significant new educational opportunities at its business school, since renamed the Sauder School of Business. At that time, it was the largest single private donation ever made to name a Canadian business school.

“Among his other contributions, Bill served as a director of the Toronto Dominion Bank, the British Columbia Development Corporation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and the Yukon, and on the executive committee of the board of directors of BC Hydro. He was also a director of the World Presidents’ Organization.

“Just last week, Junior Achievement British Columbia acknowledged Bill for his outstanding business contributions and for the legacy he has created for enterprising youth by naming him to their Business Laureates of B.C. Hall of Fame. In 2004, Bill was a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and, in 2005, he was awarded the Order of Canada for his services and contributions.

“Bill Sauder was an exemplary citizen. He was one of the builders of modern British Columbia in business, in education and in community life. We are all fortunate he called B.C. home. Our thoughts, prayers and thanks go out to his family who selflessly shared his time, energy and love of his province with us all.”

From the real estate community, I express our condolences to Dr. Sauder’s family in their time of grieving

-Tim Ayres

Published by Tim Ayres

Tim Ayres is a Sooke and Victoria BC REALTOR®, with Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty. Tim is actively involved in helping clients buying and selling real estate in the southern Vancouver Island region. Tim is an active member of the Victoria Real Estate Board and served seven years (2009-2015) as a director, including serving as President in 2014.

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