Mount Allison graduate and friend Wallace McCain passes away
2011-05-14 15:02:30
Wallace McCain, of Toronto, passed away on May 13, 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1930 in Florenceville, NB, Wallace graduated from Mount Allison University in 1952 and went on to become one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs and most generous philanthropists. He received an honorary degree from Mount Allison in 1974 for his business accomplishments and has provided continued leadership to his alma mater, serving as founding chair of the University’s National Advisory Council and on several fund raising campaigns.
A Companion to the Order of Canada and Canadian Business Hall of Fame inductee, Wallace, with his late brother Harrison established McCain Foods, one of the world’s most successful French fry and frozen food firms. He continued his success in business as chairman of Maple Leaf Foods and served as director on several company boards including Brascan Corporation and the Canada Bread Company.
Wallace McCain firmly believed in giving back to his community. His contributions have greatly supported a number of important initiatives near and dear to his heart including Mount Allison University, whose Student Centre bears his name. Wallace was an avid supporter of all things Mount Allison, funding various projects from professorships, athletics, the arts, and of course the Wallace McCain Student Centre.
Wallace is survived by his wife Margaret (Norrie) McCain, who he met at Mount Allison, children Scott, Michael, Martha, and Eleanor, all of whom attended Mount Allison, and several grandchildren and extended family members.
The campus flag has been lowered to half-mast. Additional information is available at and online condolences and donations may be made through www.wallacemccaintribute.ca.
Photo caption: Margaret (’54, LLD ’95) and Wallace McCain (’52, LLD ’74) at the opening of Mount Allison University’s Wallace McCain Student Centre in 2008.