Harold Shipp facts for kids
Harold Gordon Shipp (born January 21, 1926 – died September 7, 2014) was an important Canadian businessman. He was also a kind person who gave money to good causes, known as a philanthropist. He led a big company called Shipp Corporation Limited.
Quick facts for kids
Harold G. Shipp
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| Born | January 21, 1926 East York, Ontario
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| Died | September 7, 2014 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Chairman of Shipp Corporation Limited (formerly Chairman and CEO), Chairman of the Shipp Corporation Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (formerly Chairman and CEO) |
| Spouse(s) | June Catharine Ingram (deceased, October 4, 2001) Margaret Dabrowska (married, December 22, 2011 - September 7, 2014) |
| Children | Victoria Haviland, Catharine Marjorie, Gordon Harold |
| Parent(s) | Gordon Stanley Shipp, Bessie Luella Breeze |
Contents
Early Life and Family
Harold Shipp was born on January 21, 1926, in East York, Ontario. His parents were Gordon S. Shipp and Bessie Luella Breeze. His father, Gordon, built homes and started his own company in 1923.
Harold finished high school at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute in 1945. He stayed very connected to his old school throughout his life. In 1946, Harold joined his father's new business, which was called G.S. Shipp and Son. Harold married June Catharine Ingram on September 30, 1949. She passed away on October 4, 2001.
Building a Business Empire
Harold Shipp started working in his family's construction business in 1945. He was only 19 years old. By April 1, 1946, he became a full partner with his father. One year later, their company, G.S. Shipp and Son, became an official corporation.
Developing Communities
The company was very busy building new communities. They planned and built the Applewood Acres neighborhood. They even built the original Applewood Public School in 1955. This school later became a special school for students with developmental disabilities. G.S. Shipp and Son also built about 300 homes in Credit Woodlands and 400 homes in Riverview Gardens. In the 1960s, they built around 200 homes in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. These homes are still popular today.
Venturing into Cars
In 1959, Harold Shipp and two partners started Applewood Motors. This was a car dealership in Streetsville. To get people's attention, Harold decided to put three cars on the roof of their model homes! This unusual idea made news all over the world, even in Japan.
Leadership and Public Service
In 1960, Harold Shipp became the President of the Toronto Homebuilders Association. His father had held the same position from 1954 to 1956. This was the only time a father and son both led this organization.
In 1957, Thomas Laird Kennedy, who was briefly the Premier of Ontario, asked Harold to take his place as a political candidate. Harold thought about it but decided not to, choosing to focus on his family instead.
Expanding into Commercial Buildings
In 1967, the Shipp family partnered with Mutual Life of Canada. Together, they built four tall apartment buildings. One of these buildings won a Canadian housing design award in 1974.
In 1978, Harold's company started building large office buildings. They began with the Mississauga Executive Centre, which was planned to have four office towers. The Shipp Centre, another office complex, was finished in 1981. It is located in Etobicoke. Next to the Shipp Centre is Kingsway on-the-Park, which has 289 condominium apartments. These buildings are connected to the Toronto subway system.
A Royal Welcome
Harold Shipp was the Chairman for the Royal Visit to Mississauga in 1987. This visit was for the official opening of the City Hall. The Duke and Duchess of York attended this grand event. It was the first big event held in the Great Hall of the new City Hall.
Harold Shipp and his family have lived in Mississauga since 1953. The Shipp Corporation Limited is the longest-running builder and developer in Mississauga, working there since 1951. Many people say that Shipp Corporation truly helped build the city of Mississauga.
In 2005, Harold Shipp promised to donate $6 million to the Trillium Health Centre.
Death
Harold Shipp passed away on September 7, 2014, at the Trillium Hospital after a short illness.
Awards and Recognition
Harold Shipp received many awards for his work and his kindness:
- 2012: First person to receive the Civic Award of Philanthropy in Mississauga, given by Mayor Hazel McCallion.
- 2009: "Lifetime Business Achievement Award" from the Mississauga Board Of Trade.
- 2003: Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association Of Industrial And Office Parks (NAIOP).
- 1992: Commemorative Medals for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation.
- 1992: City of Etobicoke Personal & Corporate Service Award.
- 1990: Guest of Honor for Community Service by Mississauga’s Community Living.
- 1988: Gordon S Shipp Memorial Award, named "Mississauga Citizen of the Year."
- 1986: Elected to the Canadian Home Builders Hall of Fame.
- 1986: Mississauga Business Person of the Year (Charter Year).
- 1984: Paul Harris Award for Community Service from the Rotary Club.
- Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.
- Chairman of the Citizen's Committee for the opening of the new Mississauga Civic Centre in July 1989.
