SYDNEY, NS – Seaside Communications owner Irving Schwartz died Saturday in Sydney. He was 81.
Widely known as an entrepreneur, humanitarian, and community leader, the New Waterford native had battled cancer and Parkinson’s disease for the past two years. He was laid to rest Monday morning at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney.
Schwartz, (pictured), was president of the Seaside Group of companies, with operations in cable TV, wireless Internet, software development, and clinical research. He was also chairman of Schwartz and Company, which includes the Atlantic Canada furniture and appliance store bearing his name, and president of Vulcan Holdings, a real estate company.
He was equally as dedicated to charitable causes, serving as president of the Children’s Aid Society, president of the Lions’ Club, chairman of the board of governors of the University College of Cape Breton, and a longtime member of the National Capital Commission. He also founded and operated the non-profit Canadian International Demining Corps, which carried out land mine removal operations in many countries around the world.
Broadcast and telecom industry consultant, Harris Boyd, remembered Schwartz as “a fatherly figure” both to him, and many others in the industry who benefited from his sage advice.
“Gentleman is probably the best way of describing Irving. I don’t think that he ever uttered a cross word, I never heard him say anything negative about anybody”, Boyd told Cartt.ca, reminiscing about their 17 year friendship. “He was an incredibly successful businessman, but very modest and understated.”
Boyd recalled his final conversation with Schwartz last week, two days before his passing, on a conference call which also included members from the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA), of which Schwartz was a founding member. According to his company, Schwartz put in a full day’s work Friday, despite his illness.
“True to form, he was on a call with us just on Thursday”, Boyd continued. “As he has a reputation for always having a story, Alyson (Townsend, CCSA president and CEO) concluded the call by asking Irving if he had a joke for us. He had a story for us and brought everyone to laughter, as was his way.”
Jim Deane, CEO of Access Communications and chair of the CCSA, said that both he and all CCSA members “were saddened to learn of Irving’s passing."
“Irving was instrumental in the establishment and subsequent success of our association”, Deane told Cartt.ca by email. “Members will always be grateful for his contribution to our collective well-being. While Irving always took his business and his role with the CCSA seriously, he never took himself too seriously. Members will miss both his wisdom and his humour.”
Schwartz was named to the Order of Canada in 1997 and upgraded to an officer of the order six years later. He also received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002; was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 2003; and named to the Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association Honour List in 2005. At the time of his death, he had been designated to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Home Furnishings Association.
For more on his incredible life, click here.
In a statement on Saturday, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter said that Schwartz’s "legacy as a community leader and philanthropist will be the achievements for which he is most remembered." Deputy Premier and fellow New Waterford native Frank Corbett said, "Cape Breton was very fortunate to have a leader like Irving Schwartz. His passion for life, family and community will be sorely missed."
Schwartz is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana Usher Schwartz, their four children and four grandchildren. All of us at Cartt.ca extend our most sincere condolences to the Schwartz family and Irving’s many friends and colleagues.
– Lesley Hunter
