Mr. George Taylor Richardson

George Taylor Richardson, C.M., O.M., B.Comm., LL.D. September 22, 1924 – May 14, 2014 Peacefully, and with the quiet dignity he possessed throughout his life, George Richardson, aged 89, passed away on May 14, 2014. George was predeceased by his parents James and Muriel Richardson, his brother The Hon. James Richardson, sister Agnes Benidickson, and daughters Pamela Richardson (1980) and Karen Richardson (2013). He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Tannis, sons David (Pamela) and Hartley (Heather), sister Kathleen Richardson and his grandchildren: Colby, Quinten, Aidan, Thor, and Celine Richardson; Taylor, Fraser, Andrew (Kaitlyn), and Tannis Somers. George was born and raised in Winnipeg where he attended St. John's Ravenscourt School and later the University of Manitoba, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1946. That same year, he joined James Richardson & Sons, Limited and was assigned to Richardson Terminals in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he had worked the previous two summers. While at the Terminal, he gained valuable experience which would prove greatly beneficial to him throughout his career. In 1954, George became Vice-President of James Richardson & Sons, Limited and in 1966, he was appointed President, a position he would hold for 27 years. He made an outstanding contribution to the development of the firm during his time in office, most notably the expansion of Pioneer Grain, the completion of Lombard Place which included Richardson Centre and The Fairmont Winnipeg, and the growing of Richardson Securities of Canada into an international brokerage firm. In 1993, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of James Richardson & Sons, Limited. He officially retired from the firm in 2000, although he remained Honorary Chairman and Director Emeritus until his passing. His availability to company personnel and business associates alike was exhibited by the fact that his office door was always open and by his unique habit of answering his own telephone. His mark of distinction is left not only in the companies he fostered for over six decades, but also on the commerce and history of this country. George also contributed greatly to companies outside the Richardson group of companies. He served as a Director of CIBC, Inco, Dupont Canada, The Great West Life Assurance Company and Ducks Unlimited Canada. His most significant contributions to external organizations were to the Hudson's Bay Company and Hudson's Bay Oil and Gas. In 1970, he was appointed Deputy Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company and in 1972 he became its first Canadian-born Governor. During his tenure, Hudson's Bay Company moved its headquarters and archives from London, England to Winnipeg, and transferred ownership from Britain to Canada. He was a founding member of several community organizations including Junior Achievement of Manitoba, United Way of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Museum. He was instrumental in bringing a replica of the 53-foot ketch the Nonsuch (originally built in 1668) to the Museum in 1970, in recognition of both Manitoba's 100th Anniversary and the 300th Anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company. With so many fascinating stories of experiences and people he encountered throughout his life, George was often encouraged to diarize them. In 2010, his biography "Just Common Sense – The Life & Times of George Taylor Richardson" was published. He was a Member of the Order of Canada, Order of Manitoba, Honorary Director of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, Honorary Patron of Western Canada Aviation Museum, Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Manitoba (1969) and University of Winnipeg (1990), and Honorary Colonel, City of Winnipeg 402 Squadron. George also held numerous corporate Board appointments and volunteer leadership positions. As an outdoor enthusiast, he loved spending time at Delta Marsh, Lakewood Lodge, and at the family cottage at Lake of the Woods. A dedicated family man, he was also an active conservationist, concerned environmentalist, avid helicopter pilot and sportsman. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Ruth and Sheila, and his other caregivers, who provided George with such compassionate and dignified care during the past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Winnipeg Foundation for The George & Tannis Richardson Fund, 1350-One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0X3, or to a charity of one's choice. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.