December 13

Born in 1899 in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, K. C. Irving inherited his father's lumber business and rapidly expanded it into shipbuilding, oil refining, and media. Under his leadership, J.D. Irving Limited grew to encompass forestry, transportation, agriculture, and energy sector operations. Irving maintained a private ownership structure, keeping the company's affairs largely out of the public spotlight. He was known for his strategic vision and emphasis on vertical integration. Throughout his life, he made significant contributions to economic development in Atlantic Canada. Irving died in 1992, leaving a vast business empire that continues under his descendants.

Born in 1899 into the prominent Vanderbilt and Whitney families of New York, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney managed family investments and diverse enterprises. He served as an officer in the United States Navy during World War I and later turned to film production in the 1930s. Whitney also invested in thoroughbred racing, agriculture, and early aviation ventures, demonstrating a wide entrepreneurial spirit. A committed philanthropist, he funded numerous educational, medical, and cultural institutions throughout his life. His contributions helped advance scientific research and support the arts across the United States. Whitney passed away in 1992, remembered for his philanthropic legacy and varied business pursuits.

Born in 1906 as Lev Winogradsky in Tokmak, Ukraine, Lew Grade emigrated to Britain as a child and began his career dancing and managing talent. He founded Associated Television (ATV) in 1955 and later ITC Entertainment, producing iconic series like 'The Saint', 'Danger Man', and 'The Muppet Show'. Elevated to the peerage in 1969, he became Lord Grade and played a central role in the globalization of British television content. Grade invested extensively in theaters, film studios, and music ventures, fostering new talents and formats. His keen insight into audience tastes and distribution networks made him a pioneer of modern broadcasting. He died in 1998, leaving a legacy as one of television's most influential figures.

Lamar Hunt (1932–2006) was an influential American businessman and sports impresario who reshaped professional athletics in the United States. As co-founder of the American Football League in 1960, he played a pivotal role in merging it with the NFL and creating the modern Super Bowl. Hunt also established World Championship Tennis, accelerating the professionalization of the sport. Beyond football and tennis, he founded Major League Soccer and owned multiple sports franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to expanding sports entertainment left a profound legacy in American sporting culture.