Joseph Segal, an outstanding British Columbian and a Canadian merchandising legend, has given unstintingly of himself and his resources for the betterment of our province. After moving to Vancouver he opened a small retail family clothing store there in 1950. It was the successful start of what became a chain of 70 Fields Stores, a corporation which acquired Zellers in 1976 and eventually became the largest single owner of the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1979 Mr. Segal formed Kingswood Capital Corporation a real estate developer and an acquirer of companies for turn around. Kingswood’s first purchase in 1979 was a men’s clothing manufacturer which ultimately became Mr. Jax (Ladies) Fashions.

Mr. Segal has been deeply involved in the Jewish Community throughout his life. Many other organizations as well, have benefited from Mr. Segal’s munificence, whether they are charitable organizations such as the Variety Club, the United Way and the Vancouver Children’s Hospital or Simon Fraser University. Mr. Segal served on the board of Simon Fraser University for over 12 years and was Chancellor for 6. In 1989 he was one of the individuals instrumental in establishing the Simon Fraser University Harbour Center downtown campus. Mr. Segal also chaired the campaign for the creation of the Simon Fraser Work Centre for Dialogue, and was also a major contributor. In 2005, thanks to the Segal family’s contributions, the SFU Segal Graduate School of Business opened in downtown Vancouver. In 1992 Mr. Segal received the Order of British Columbia and in 1993 received the Order of Canada Mr. Segal maintains an open door to people from all walks of life. His family’s selfless generosity is well known throughout the community. In May, 2005 both he and his wife were honored by Variety Club with their highest honor, the International Humanitarian Award.