Harrison McCain facts for kids

Harrison McCain was a famous Canadian businessman. He helped start a huge company called McCain Foods with his three brothers. This company makes frozen foods, like french fries, for people all over the world.

Growing Up in New Brunswick

Harrison McCain was born in a place called Florenceville-Bristol, in New Brunswick, Canada. His dad, Andrew Davis McCain, was a respected farmer. He grew special potatoes called 'seed potatoes'. For many years, his family sold these potatoes across New Brunswick. They even exported them to countries like Cuba.

Starting a Food Empire

After finishing university at Acadia, Harrison and his brother Wallace worked for an oil company. But in 1956, their brother Robert had a great idea. He suggested they start a factory to make frozen french fries.

The Birth of McCain Foods

So, Harrison and Wallace teamed up with their brothers Robert and Andrew. They opened one of the very first factories to process potatoes into frozen french fries. This was a smart move! Frozen fries meant better quality and they could be sent far away. This helped the business grow quickly.

Global Success

Harrison was very good at business and working with people. He and Wallace worked closely together. Because of their hard work, McCain Foods grew into a massive company. It eventually had over 55 factories around the world. It became the number one french fry company globally!

Leadership Changes

Later, in the 1990s, there was a disagreement about who would lead the company next. This led to Wallace and his son Michael leaving McCain Foods. In 2002, Harrison chose his nephew, Allison McCain, to be his successor. Allison was the son of Harrison's late brother Andrew.

Other Business Ventures

Harrison McCain was also a member of the board of directors for the Bank of Nova Scotia. He was good friends with the bank's chairman, Cedric Ritchie. Cedric grew up in a town near Harrison's hometown.

Canadian Honours

In 1992, Harrison McCain received a very special award. He was named a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is the highest honour a Canadian can receive.

Family Life

Harrison McCain was married to Marion "Billie" McCain. She was the daughter of John McNair, who used to be the premier of New Brunswick. Harrison and Marion had five children. One of his daughters, Gillian McCain, is a writer. She co-wrote a book about punk music and also published poetry.

Passing Away

Harrison McCain passed away on March 18, 2004. He was in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 76.