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. 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.
In 1979 Mr. Segal formed Kingswood Capital Corporation a real
estate developer and an acquirer of companies for turn around.
Kingswood’s first purchase in 1979 was a men’s clothing
manufacturer which ultimately became Mr. Jax (Ladies) Fashions.
Mr. Segal 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. Mr. Segal served on the
board of Simon Fraser University for over 12 years and was Chancellor
for 6. In 1989 he was one of the individuals instrumental in
establishing the Simon Fraser University Harbour Center downtown
campus. Mr. Segal also chaired the campaign for the creation
of the Simon Fraser Work Centre for Dialogue, and was also a
major contributor. In 2005, thanks to the Segal family’s
contributions, the SFU Segal Graduate School of Business opened
in downtown Vancouver. In 1992 Mr. Segal received the Order
of British Columbia and in 1993 received the Order of Canada
Mr. Segal maintains an open door to people from all walks of
life. His family’s selfless generosity is well known throughout
the community. In May, 2005 both he and his wife were honored
by Variety Club with their highest honor, the International
Humanitarian Award.
