Jim Shaw, the former CEO and vice chairman of Shaw Communications, died Wednesday at age 60.
The telecommunications company, which has its headquarters in Calgary, said in a statement that Shaw passed away after a brief illness.
He’s survived by his wife, Kathryn, and five children.
Shaw was CEO from 1998 until 2010, when he stepped down to hand over the reigns to his younger brother, Brad.
“As a family, our hearts are heavy with sadness,” said Brad Shaw, current CEO of Shaw, in the release.
“I have not only lost a brother, but a great friend and mentor. Our lives will not be as complete without hearing Jim’s laughter or getting the benefit of his counsel or his insight.”
“As a family, our hearts are heavy with sadness.” – Brad Shaw
The telecommunications giant was founded by Shaw’s father JR in 1966.
Now 83, JR is still the company’s executive chairman.
Jim joined the company in 1982 — after dropping out of the University of Calgary and trying his hand at a series of business ventures — as a cable installer, doing front-line customer service.
He was appointed vice president of operations in 1987, president in 1995 and CEO in 1998.
He stepped down after reportedly displaying belligerent behaviour toward investors.
The company’s then president, Peter Bissonnette, told CBC News at the time that Shaw was always known to be “a little feisty.”
The business magnate was known for supporting Alberta charities, donating $19 million to Shawnigan Lake School in 2014 and $6 million to the Calgary Food Bank in 2015.
His brother said his contributions helped make the company what it is today.
“As an operator, a deal maker and a strategist, Jim continued building the foundation started by our father, J.R., to create a Canadian business leader and household brand across Western Canada,” he said.