Toronto businessman and philanthropist Joseph Rotman dies at age 80
Posted January 27, 2015 2:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canadian businessman and philanthropist Joseph Rotman has died at the age of 80.
The news was confirmed Tuesday by Western University, where Rotman was chancellor and had a school named after him.
“Mr. Rotman stood among a small group of great Canadians who contributed in many extraordinary ways to the betterment of our country,” said Western’s president and vice-chancellor, Amit Chakma.
“He was one of those rare leaders who dedicated much of his time, business acumen and personal wealth toward a wide range of philanthropic endeavours that had transformative effects on the arts, health-care and higher education in Canada.”
Rotman had two schools named after him including the Rotman Institute of Philosophy at Western University in London, Ont., and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Rotman was a successful businessman, founding many companies in oil and gas, real estate and venture capital.
His most prominent firms included the Clairvest Group Inc. (TSX:CVG), a private equity management firm that was founded in 1987.
He was inducted in the Canadian Business Hall of Fame as a companion in May 2009 and appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 1995.
In addition to his business ventures, Rotman was also revered as a philanthropist who dedicated his time and money to the arts, education and health-care. Until the time of his death, he was chair of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Toronto Mayor John Tory expressed his condolences on Twitter.
“Mr. Rotman was a true city builder, demonstrating a commitment to developing Canadian institutions in the arts, education and health-care. On behalf of the people of Toronto, I offer my sincere condolences to his family. He will be truly missed.”
Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins also tweeted the news.
“My dear friend and mentor Joe Rotman. Rest in Peace. You lived a great life of generosity, compassion and brilliance. I am heartbroken,” Hoskins said.
