Ted Rogers dead at 75

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I don't know how many people know him outside of Canada. Personally, I didn't like anything that had to do with Rogers, but he was a shrewd business man.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/...gers-obit.html

Canadian media magnate Ted Rogers, founder and CEO of Rogers Communications, has died.

Rogers, 75, died at his Toronto home, surrounded by loved ones, said a statement from the company's board of directors. He had recently been admitted to hospital for an existing cardiac condition.

"We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Loretta and all of the Rogers family for this loss," said Alan Horn, Chairman of Rogers Communications and acting CEO.

"Ted Rogers was one of a kind who built this company from one FM radio station into Canada's largest wireless, cable and media company — a leader also in giving to the community through his and Loretta's many philanthropic initiatives. He will be sadly missed."

Rogers continued to play an active role in the company, which owns the Toronto Blue Jays, five Citytv television stations across the country as well as the Rogers cable TV, wireless and radio and magazine businesses.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
Invested in high-speed, wireless

Rogers, who founded his company in 1960, was known as an outspoken, sometimes unpredictable leader, known for going against the grain and taking risks that paid off in the end.

Rogers Communications has built itself almost as much on image as on its services, placing its name on the Toronto stadium once known as the SkyDome, buying the Toronto Blue Jays and investing in cutting-edge services for its customers.

Rogers's investment in high-speed internet around the turn of the millennium was one of the pivotal decisions that solidified the company's presence on the market.

He believed that while only a limited number of people would subscribe to high-speed services initially, the investment would pay off in the long term.

About 15 years earlier, Rogers was also the driver behind a decision to invest in wireless technologies, which were only in their infancy at the time.

The board of directors for Rogers Communications will form a search committee to find his replacement, the company news release said.