Beland Honderich

Background

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, the son of John Honderich Senior and Rae Honderich, he was a high school drop-out who worked as a cub reporter for the Kitchener-Waterloo Record before heading to Toronto.

Career

He was hired at the Star to replace reporters who went to serve in World World War II, as Honderich was rejected by the Royal Canadian Air Force due to poor eyesight. In 1955, he was appointed editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star and a director in 1956. In 1966, he was elected president and publisher of Toronto Star Limited.

In 1976, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Torstar Corporation.

He died at Saint Paul"s Hospital in Vancouver after having a stroke. His final request was for cremation.

John Honderich, was also publisher of the Toronto Star from 1994 to 2004 David Honderich, an entrepreneur Mary Honderich, philosophy and English teacher as well as six grandchildren.

Achievements

• In 1976, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from York University. In 1977, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 1986, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1989, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature from Carleton University.