麻豆传媒AV

SASKATOON — Messages of condolences to the Remai family poured in on social media after the death of well-known philanthropist Joseph A. Remai on June 12. He was 89.

Premier Scott Moe said his family and government are saddened by Remai’s passing, praising the “proud son of Carrot River” as one of the most generous contributors in the province.

“He believed in education, in better health care, and in building a stronger future for all of us… His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the communities he helped shape,” said Moe.

Remai, who founded the Remai Group, suffered from Parkinson’s disease, according to his son. He supported hospitals and other initiatives across the province.

In August of last year, he donated $25 million to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the construction of the first building on the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon campus.

Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA Ken Cheveldayoff said renaming the campus, being built on University of Saskatchewan grounds, is a fitting tribute to his constituent.

Conservative MPs Kevin Waugh and Cory Tochor also sent their condolences to the family, also highlighting his $25-million gift to the Saskatoon campus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

“Saskatoon has lost one of the greats. On Thursday [June 12], we bid farewell to one of the city’s most prominent philanthropists… [He] will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his family in this difficult time,” said Waugh.

Tochor, in a separate post, said he was honoured to have met Remai when he attended the sod-turning for Sask Poly’s building in the heart of USask.

Sask Poly, the recipient of the $25-million donation, through president and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia, said they are also mourning the loss of a man who made history in their institution’s story.

“We are extremely grateful for Joe’s transformative impact on Sask Polytech, our students and organizations throughout our province. Joe was an entrepreneur, an inspiring community builder and a real estate developer with a remarkable career. His generosity will have a lasting impact through the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus and will benefit the lives of our students, their families and Saskatchewan communities well into the future,” said Rosia.

“The new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon will provide world-class facilities and programs for its students for a generation and more,” says Barry Remai, Joe’s son. “It will bolster the province’s post-secondary system and better provide students with the skills and training needed to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Joe could not be happier to contribute to the success of this project.”