‘True giver’: former Loewen Windows CEO Al Babiuk dies

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This article was published 10/09/2024 (481 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Al Babiuk, former CEO of Loewen Windows, died suddenly on the weekend.

Babiuk was a senior executive at the Steinbach window manufacturer for 20 years, about 13 of them as CEO. He retired from Loewen at the end of 2022. His age was not immediately confirmed Monday.

“Al’s commitment and contribution to Loewen cannot be overstated. He will be greatly missed. With his outstanding energy and vision, Al was able to lead Loewen with courage and integrity through some of the most challenging times the building industry has ever experienced,” a statement from Loewen Windows said.

Babiuk was chief operating officer of the company during the 2008-09 financial crisis that virtually grounded the housing construction industry in the U.S., which Loewen’s business was heavily reliant on.

“There were some very trying years and I would say, thanks to Al’s discipline commitment and resolve, he guided the company through that,” said Clyde Loewen, a current partner in the business and executive vice-president.

Post-retirement, Babiuk had remained active in the business community and the Killarney area of Manitoba.

Among other items, he championed Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business, buying tables at the annual IDEA (International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award) dinner and hosting Indigenous students. He also was involved with the Associates of the Asper School of Business mentorship community.

Babiuk became chairman of the board of the Washington-based Window and Door Manufacturers Association in 2015.

He was also a board member for the Business Council of Manitoba. Its CEO, Bram Strain, said Babiuk was one of his most involved members.

“He was a true giver,” said Strain. “He just had the best interests of the province at all the times. He was a tireless worker.”

Before becoming CEO of Loewen in 2010, he had been its chief financial officer for five years, then chief operating officer for two.

He was a graduate of the U of M (commerce degree) then earned his chartered accountant designation. Prior to joining Loewen, Babiuk was a vice-president finance and treasurer at Investors Group Inc., corporate controller at Ceridian Corp., and divisional controller at Standard Aero Ltd.

Babiuk was recognized by his peers with the Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants designation in 2013.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca