Joseph Segal, an outstanding British Columbian and a Canadian merchandising legend, has given unstintingly of himself and his resources for the betterment of our province.

Born in Vegreville, Alberta, Mr. Segal served overseas with the Calgary Highlanders for two and half years.

After moving to Vancouver he opened a small retail family clothing store there in 1950. It was the successful start of what became a chain of 70 Fields Stores, a corporation which acquired Zellers in 1976 and eventually became the largest single owner of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Joseph Segal is a self-made entrepreneur whose legendary acumen and energies are turned as often to the needs of the community as to the demands of the executive suite.

He has been deeply involved in the Jewish Community throughout his life. Many other organizations as well, have benefited from Mr. Segal’s munificence, whether they be charitable organizations such as the Variety Club, the United Way and the Vancouver Children’s Hospital or Simon Fraser University.

That university’s downtown Harbour Centre campus might still be a dream but for Joseph Segal’s enthusiastic contributions and negotiating talents. Simon Fraser University and two private sector interests were able to strike a deal which provides a superb downtown campus virtually rent-free for 30 years.

It has been said of Joseph Segal – if there is a good and noble cause, he is there.