May 29

Hartland Molson was born in Montreal in 1907 into the renowned Molson brewing family. He served as a naval captain during World War II, commanding convoy escorts in the North Atlantic. After the war, Molson took on leadership roles in the family business and became a key figure in Canadian industry. In 1955, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he represented Quebec for 47 years. Molson also invested in sports, becoming part-owner of the Montreal Canadiens and contributing to the team's golden era. He championed charitable initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare. Molson's blend of military service, business acumen, and public duty made him one of Canada's most respected figures of the 20th century.

Born in 1927 in Quebec, Canada, Jean Coutu opened his first pharmacy in 1969, laying the foundation for what would become the Jean Coutu Group. By emphasizing customer service and community engagement, he expanded his business into one of Canada’s largest retail pharmacy chains. Under his leadership, the company introduced drive-through pharmacies and loyalty programs, setting industry standards. Coutu took the group public in 1986, fueling further growth across Quebec, Eastern Canada, and the northeastern United States. He has been honored with the Order of Canada for his contributions to business and philanthropy. Jean Coutu continues to influence the retail pharmacy industry and supports numerous health and education charities.

Born in the Netherlands in 1934, Bill Vander Zalm emigrated to Canada as a teenager and established a successful chain of gift shops. He entered politics in the 1970s, winning a seat in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in 1975. Vander Zalm held various cabinet positions before becoming leader of the Social Credit Party in 1986. As premier, he focused on economic development and tourism but faced controversies such as the Fantasy Gardens sale. After resigning in 1991, he continued his business ventures and authored memoirs detailing his political career. His tenure remains a notable chapter in British Columbia's political history.

Christopher Bland was born in 1938 to British parents and educated at Eton and Oxford. He held senior executive roles in the corporate world, notably as chairman of British Telecommunications from 1996 to 2001. Bland also chaired FirstGroup and Oxfam, demonstrating his blend of commercial acumen and social commitment. Elevated to the House of Lords in 1998 as Baron Bland, he contributed to legislation on technology and communications policy. Known for his strategic vision, he guided companies through periods of transformation. He authored memoirs reflecting on his experiences in business and public life. Bland passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy of corporate innovation and civic engagement.

Born in 1938 in New York City, Fay Vincent earned his law degree before beginning his career in government service. He transitioned to the corporate sector, holding executive roles at major entertainment companies. In 1989, he was appointed Commissioner of Major League Baseball, becoming the first lawyer to hold the position. During his tenure, he negotiated landmark television contracts and oversaw key investigations, including the suspension of Pete Rose for gambling. Vincent's push for revenue sharing and labor reforms put him at odds with some team owners but earned him respect for his integrity. After resigning in 1992, he returned to legal practice and authored books on sports governance. He remained an influential voice on baseball law until his death in 2025.

Pierre Bourque began his career as a horticulturist, founding a successful landscaping business. In the early 1990s, he entered politics and launched the Vision Montreal party. As Mayor of Montreal from 1994 to 2001, he championed urban renewal projects, expanded green spaces, and supported cultural festivals. Bourque later served in the National Assembly of Quebec, focusing on municipal affairs. He remained active in civic and environmental initiatives, influencing Montreal's growth and sustainability. His leadership left a lasting mark on the city's urban landscape.

Bob Benmosche had a distinguished career in corporate leadership, including executive roles at MetLife and Xerox. In 2009, he was appointed president and CEO of AIG when the company faced collapse during the global financial crisis. His bold restructuring plans and candid leadership restored confidence in AIG and repaid billions in government bailout funds. Benmosche emphasized transparency and accountability, steering the firm back to profitability by 2012. He retired in 2014 after guiding one of the most successful corporate recoveries in history. He passed away in 2015, remembered for his tenacity and steadfast leadership under pressure.

Dhar Mann is an American entrepreneur and filmmaker celebrated for his inspirational short films on YouTube. He began his career by founding e-commerce startups and exploring various business ventures. In 2018, he established Dhar Mann Studios to produce motivational content that tackles social and personal themes. His short films have amassed billions of views across social media and earned a dedicated global audience. Dhar Mann is also involved in philanthropic initiatives, supporting educational programs and community outreach. He continues to innovate in digital media, collaborating with creators to expand his positive messaging.