JR Shaw, founder of Shaw Communications (TSX:SJR.B) in Canada, has died. He was 85.
"My family and I are at a loss for words and are deeply saddened at JR's passing," Shaw CEO Brad Shaw said in a news release announcing his father's death.
"JR was the founder and leader of our company, but he was also an exceptional husband, a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. His legacy of love and compassion for people will live on for generations."
In a statement, Edward S. Rogers, chairman of Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.A), said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of JR Shaw and would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife Carol, Brad, Heather, Julie, the extended Shaw family and the team at Shaw Communications."
"JR was a true pioneer and an incredible entrepreneur. He started in Edmonton in 1966 and grew Shaw Communications into a formidable Canadian telecommunications company. Shaw led the Canadian cable industry for many decades as an innovator and long term investor. He believed passionately in Canada. He created many thousands of jobs and brought his customers the best versions of the latest cable and telecommunications services. As founder, Executive Chairman and former CEO of Shaw, and Canadian business leader, his legacy will be felt for generations to come."
Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of the SCTE/ISBE, said: "JR - that's how we all knew him - was an archetype of the cable entrepreneur. He always had the best interests of the industry at heart, even when acting in Shaw's own self-interest might have been more advantageous. He knew how to get things done, but it was his honesty, his integrity and the value he placed on personal relationships that really stood out."
JR Shaw stepped down from the CEO role in 1998, passing on the reins to his son, Jim Shaw. Brad Shaw took over in 2010 from Jim, who died in 2018. Brad Shaw will take over his father's role of executive chairman of the board.
Shaw Communications has more than 7 million subscribers, mainly in Western Canada.