11°c Overcast
18°c Light rain
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
Tom Foord, the founder of Kal Tire, dies at the age of 89 in Vernon, B.C.
VERNON, B.C. - Tom Foord, who turned a local tire store in Vernon, B.C., into an international business worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has died. He was 89.
Foord, one of the founders of Kal Tire, died Thursday in Vernon of complications stemming from heart failure, the company said in a statement released Friday.
Foord and his business partner, Jim Lockhead, started Kal Tire in Vernon in 1953, taking the name from Kalamalka Lake.
The company now operates in 20 countries with 4,600 employees. Many of its overseas operations deal in the giant tires used by vehicles in the mining industry.
Foord stepped down as company CEO more than a decade ago, but the company remains in the family, with his son Robert now serving as president.
Foord told radio station KISS FM in 2007 that he couldn't imagine a better place than Vernon to base his company.
"We've been tempted with the idea of moving our operation to a more central location," he said in the interview.
"It wouldn't happen as long as I was alive, I can tell you that, because while I was born in Saskatchewan, Vernon is really more my heart than anywhere."
Foord was born on May 8, 1922, in Instow, Sask., the oldest of seven children. He met his wife Norah while they both were stationed in Newfoundland with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and returned to her hometown of Vernon after getting married in 1944.
Foord and his wife supported several groups and charities over the years, including helping the People Place Society buy land in Vernon for a building that now serves as home to many North Okanagan community organizations.
The city responded to his philanthropy by handing him its Most Valuable People Award in 1989 for his outstanding contribution to the community and its Corporate Good Citizen of the Year Award in 1993.
Foord was also named to the Order of B.C. in 2000.
Foord's wife Norah died in February at the age of 92.
The couple is survived by their five children, who all live in Vernon.
More FP News Features
- Back to Top
- Return to FP News Features
More FP News Features
(1 of 12 articles for this month)
No evidence cycle helmet laws reduce head injuries: study
05/14/2013 5:38 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular FP News Features
- CTV newsman Craig Oliver's memoir is a moving tale of a fascinating life
- High-end Premium Outlets to open north of Montreal to help attract tourists
- Loved ones gather to pay tribute to acclaimed Celtic singer Raylene Rankin
- Pakistani actress sues Indian magazine over 'doctored' nude photos
- Oshawa offers lessons on population growth as other cities struggle
- Toronto comic Darrin Rose says he's mistaken for Jason Sudeikis 'all the time'
- H&M teams with famed fashion director Anna Dello Russo on new line
- Russian gymnast says she doesn't mind that Phelps broke her medal record
- Hong Kong officials investigating after Cathay, Dragonair jets in near-miss incident
- Scene-stealing Eden Sher is the girl in 'The Middle'
- High-end Premium Outlets to open north of Montreal to help attract tourists
- Chalk it up: Coloring hair streaks with craft-store pastels is the latest beauty trend
- CTV newsman Craig Oliver's memoir is a moving tale of a fascinating life
- Patrick Duffy says Victoria Principal has 'no desire' to join modern 'Dallas'
- Parents get belly tattoos to support son on insulin pump for Type 1 diabetes
- Montreal's iron icons: winding outdoor staircases win contest of local landmarks
- Toronto comic Darrin Rose says he's mistaken for Jason Sudeikis 'all the time'
- Oshawa offers lessons on population growth as other cities struggle
- Pakistani actress sues Indian magazine over 'doctored' nude photos
- 'Jurassic Park' flashback: Ariana Richards looks back on walking with dinosaurs
- George Jones, country superstar, has died at 81
- Chalk it up: Coloring hair streaks with craft-store pastels is the latest beauty trend
- High-end Premium Outlets to open north of Montreal to help attract tourists
- CTV newsman Craig Oliver's memoir is a moving tale of a fascinating life
- Patrick Duffy says Victoria Principal has 'no desire' to join modern 'Dallas'
- Parents get belly tattoos to support son on insulin pump for Type 1 diabetes
- Michelle Obama goes for Election Night dress by Michael Kors
- Pakistani actress sues Indian magazine over 'doctored' nude photos
- 'Sons of Anarchy' star so convincing he's sometimes approached by actual bikers
- Toronto comic Darrin Rose says he's mistaken for Jason Sudeikis 'all the time'
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.