Alex A. Campbell – who died Tuesday – was Victoria’s own home-grown hero.
The modest businessman was known as much for his philanthropy as for his success with Thrifty Foods in the ultra-competitive supermarket sector.
The father of three and grandfather was devoted to families in the capital region, spearheading campaigns which raised millions of dollars for medical causes and donating his own money as well.
Campbell, who died early Tuesday, had recently been dealing with undisclosed health issues.
This past February, Campbell received a lifetime achievement award at the Victoria Leadership Awards. It was the latest of many honours and awards bestowed on Campbell.
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Milford Sorensen, who retired this year from his job as president of Thrifty Foods, said Tuesday: “He was a giant in the local business community.”
Campbell had good business acumen and devotion to community causes, making him a “wonderful success story,” Sorensen said. “He was immensely popular with his employees, his community.”
After Campbell sold Thrifty Foods to Nova Scotia-based Sobeys in 2007 for $260 million, he remained as chairman emeritus, taking part in functions and meetings. At the time of the sale, Thrifty Foods had 20 outlets and 3,700 employees.
Jim Dores, the current president of Thrifty Foods, said the company’s thoughts and prayers are with the Campbell family.
“I spoke to a lot of my colleagues … that worked with Mr. Campbell and the stories are always the same. I’ve never met a man who was so respected and loved and adored by his employees.
“He had some pretty simple business principles – take care of your employees, take care of your customers, give back to the community. And those values live on in Thrifty Foods today. They’re part of the fabric of the culture, so I sincerely thank him for that.”
Campbell’s wife, Jo, said in a statement that her husband was an amazing man.
“He loved life, and he constantly gave of himself to improve the lives of others. He believed strongly in the importance of paying it forward – giving back in gratitude of what you have received.
“His dedication to outstanding community service stands as an example to us all, and he will be dearly missed.”
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