President, Liberty Investments Ltd; M.J. Investment Co.; Co-Founder of Wosk’s Ltd.

Known as an outstanding businessman, community leader and philanthropist, Morris J. Wosk played a significant role in the growth and development of Vancouver.

Born in Russia, Morris moved to British Columbia with his family in 1928. For four decades, Morris helped build his family’s business into one of the city’s premier furniture and appliances businesses – Wosk’s Ltd.  Following this, Morris took an interest in the real estate investment market and became one of Vancouver’s most highly regarded landlords. Morris was also a revered mentor to the next generation of business people.

Morris’s accomplishments in business weren’t his only measures of success; the time and resources he contributed to his community played as big a role. He supported diverse non-profit organizations nationally and internationally. Some of the causes he championed included education, health care, social services, libraries and the arts.

Morris was appointed a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia, as well as a Freeman of the City of Vancouver. He achieved the highest levels of recognition from all three levels of government, a true philanthropist and community leader. Morris was also presented with honorary doctorates from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Simon Fraser University.

Married to Dena for 54 years, they raised four children and had six grandchildren. Morris will be remembered as a man of immense joy and wisdom, and a genuine desire to help mankind.