Wallace McCain, chairman of Canadian food group Maple Leaf Foods, and co-founder of frozen chip maker McCain Foods, has died at the age of 81.
McCain died on Friday (13 May) in Toronto following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was announced by Maple Leaf’s board, which is yet to appoint his successor.
“His incredible success in business was always balanced with the importance of family and community,” said Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods and Wallace’s son. “He had unwavering values that defined him and everything he did.”
McCain and his sons acquired Maple Leaf Foods in 2005 along with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
“Wallace made an indelible impact on Maple Leaf Foods, our country and the food industry globally,” Purdy Crawford, lead director of the Maple Leaf Foods board of directors, said in a company statement. “He was an extraordinary man, with a huge heart, and we will miss him profoundly.”

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