Dr. Walter Koerner was born in Czechoslovakia and it was there that, through his family’s lumber business, he developed his expertise in the forestry industry.

In 1939, Dr. Koerner and his brothers immigrated to Canada and founded the Alaska Pine and Cellulose Company of which he was President. The company flourished until, in 1957, it became Rayonier Canada Limited with Dr. Koerner as President and later Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1973.

Dr. Koerner’s company was instrumental in promoting the use of hemlock, previously considered undesirable. Through expert techniques, his company made this wood fully competitive in Europe and expanded its use until it has become one of the leading wood species used in British Columbia.

Dr. Koerner always supported the need for good forest management and greatly contributed to numerous studies and hearings concerned with forest practices.

Following his retirement, he devoted his efforts to improving the quality of life for British Columbians:

• in the health care field, as Founding Chairman of the University of British Columbia Hospital;
• in the field of higher education, to which he gave long and distinguished service as a Governor of the University of British Columbia;
• and in the arts as one of the Province’s leading benefactors. He is honorary Life President of both the Vancouver Gallery and the Vancouver Symphony society.

Over a span of more than fifty years, Dr. Koerner was a most notable philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to educational institutions and other public organizations and endeavours.

Among his many honours, Dr. Koerner is a Companion of the Order of Canada, and held an honorary Doctor of Laws from UBC.