Bob Stewart (1916-2003), Founding Partner and President of Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd.

Bob Stewart was born in Butte, Montana, raised in Vancouver, and began his career in the 1940s as a night clerk at the Sylvia Court Hotel. In his mid-20s, he moved to the small, scenic community of Sinclair Mills, where he worked at a sawmill and quickly became an integral part of the community as a first aid attendant, even assisting with medical needs, including delivering babies. It was here he met Ivan Andersen.

Bob later became the Assistant Manager of the sawmill before he and Ivan founded Sinclar Enterprises Ltd. in 1962, a lumber wholesaler in Prince George. Known for their fair business model, Bob and Ivan’s approach kept local mills stable even in tough times, helping Sinclar become the sole surviving wholesaler in the area within two years.

Bob was deeply involved in community service, contributing to the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia’s Northern Medical Program. A committed humanitarian, he supported various causes, always lending a hand to those in need. His legacy of compassion and resilience endures through Sinclar Group’s commitment to Northern BC.

Ivan Andersen (1916-2011), Founding Partner and Secretary-Treasurer of Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd.

Born and raised in South Fort George, Ivan Andersen pursued business studies in Vancouver before moving to Sinclair Mills, where he progressed from the planer mill to sawmill manager. He and Bob Stewart became friends while working at Sinclair Mills and, in 1962, co-founded Sinclar Enterprises Ltd. in Prince George.

Ivan and Bob built Sinclar’s success on fair, long-term partnerships with local mills, ensuring stability for the community. Their business expanded through ventures like Apollo Forest Products and Nechako Lumber, and they established key partnerships with First Nations communities, fostering job creation and environmental stewardship.

Beyond business, Ivan championed education and community support, contributing to scholarships and local institutions. His leadership and community-focused approach left a lasting impact on Northern BC, and his legacy continues through Sinclar Group’s contributions to the region.