Funeral for Asper to be held Thursday
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 | 1:34 PM ET
CBC News
Asper died in hospital in Winnipeg on Tuesday. He was 71.
Asper was known as a philanthropist, giving millions of dollars to universities and hospitals.
He founded CanWest Global Communications and the family owned dozens of newspapers.
Israel "Izzy" Asper (CP photo)
Asper was admitted to St. Boniface Hospital Tuesday morning. With him were his wife Babs, his sons David and Leonard, and his daughter Gail. No cause of death was stated.
- TIMELINE: I.H. (Izzy) Asper
Asper retired as executive chairman of CanWest in January 2003.
Anticipating Asper's retirement, CanWest had arranged for what the family Tuesday called "an orderly transition of management" with the appointment in 1999 of Leonard Asper as president and chief executive officer.
- JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Share your thoughts on Izzy Asper
A statement from CanWest also said:
"The company feels a sense of profound loss on the passing of our founder who distinguished himself as a visionary business leader, a caring leader in his encouragement and financial support of worthy causes, and as a champion of Israel."
Asper also served for a time as leader of the Manitoba Liberals in the early 1970s.
He was born in Minnedosa, Man., on August 11, 1932. His parents, both musicians, owned two rural movie theatres where young Izzy worked as an usher.
When the family moved to Winnipeg, Asper studied law at the University of Manitoba. Later, he became a tax specialist and deal-maker. He founded CKND a small television station he bought in North Dakota and moved to Winnipeg.
In 2000, Asper's deal-making included the purchase – for $3.2 billion – of the Southam newspaper group, National Post and other assets from Conrad Black's Hollinger Inc.
