Honoring the Legacy of Joseph (Joe) Segal

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Joseph (Joe) Segal. A remarkable humanitarian, businessman, and philanthropist, Joe’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our community. The Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre on the VGH campus stands as a testament to his generosity, vision, and unwavering commitment to those in need.

For his business acumen and philanthropic contributions, Joe received numerous accolades, including the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada, and multiple honorary doctorates.

In 2011, Joe made a $12 million pledge to initiate the planning of a new, purpose-built mental health facility. At the time, this was the largest individual donation to mental health in BC. His commitment spearheaded a $28 million fundraising campaign, culminating in the $85 million Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre—a lasting legacy of his dedication to bettering mental health care.

Joe never retired. Even at 97, his mind remained sharp, and he remained actively engaged in business and philanthropy. Throughout the pandemic, he continued working from home and providing invaluable guidance to causes he deeply cared about. His support extended to VGH and UBC Hospital’s most innovative clinician-researchers and surgeons. He played a key role in launching a campaign for the Vancouver Stroke Program, funding groundbreaking medical research, and serving as Honorary Chair of the Brain Breakthroughs Campaign.

Joe’s journey began in Vegreville, Alberta, where he lost his father at just 14 years old. To support his family, he went door-to-door selling frozen whitefish. After serving overseas in World War II, he returned to Canada and settled in Vancouver with his wife, Rosalie. Here, he began his career in the war surplus business.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a merchandising empire, including Zellers, which he later traded for a stake in Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1979, he founded Kingswood Capital Corporation, expanding his reach into manufacturing, real estate, and venture capital.

Today, Joe’s family continues his philanthropic legacy. His son, Gary Segal, serves as the Chair of our Board of Directors, guiding the Foundation through transformative campaigns, including the $60 million Future of Surgery campaign. His leadership also helped the Foundation navigate the financial and practical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joe epitomized philanthropic leadership. His integrity and generosity have profoundly enriched the lives of British Columbians.

Our deepest condolences go out to Rosalie, his wife of over seven decades, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Thank you, Joe. May your memory be a blessing.