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On the Passing of Ken Thomson

Ken Thomson died this morning. He was 82. We remember Thomson as not only owner of the Globe and Mail, but also chairman of the Board of The Thomson Corporation which owns Carswell and West among other services that have been a significant part of our working lives. He was Canada’s wealthiest man, and one of the richest in the world.

Excerpt from the The Thomson Corporation website:

Kenneth R. Thomson, former Chairman of the Board of The Thomson Corporation, and its controlling shareholder, died this morning at the age of 82 (DOB September 1, 1923).

Thomson became Chairman of the family’s business interests after the death of his father, Roy Thomson, in 1976. He became Chairman of The Thomson Corporation upon its formation in 1978. He retired as Chairman of Thomson in 2002 and was succeeded by his eldest son, David. He remained on the board of Thomson and Chairman of The Woodbridge Company Limited, the Thomson family private investment company.

And this statement was released today from the Prime Minister’s office:

Prime Minister issues statement on the death of Ken Thomson

June 12, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the death of Ken Thomson:

“Mr. Thomson was one of Canada’s most successful businessmen and combined his financial acumen with his commitment to serve both his country and his community. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and both he and his family made significant cultural gifts to the city of Toronto during the past three decades.”

“The Thomson family’s ownership of newspapers such as the Globe and Mail, as well as the Times of London, demonstrated their commitment to quality journalism and the rights of an informed public.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, I’d like to extend our condolences to Ken Thomson’s family, friends and business associates.”