EDMONTON, Alberta — Industry leader and former Fountain Tire CEO and Board Chair Brian Hesje died Dec. 5 at age 75.
Mr. Hesje joined Fountain Tire in 1984 and moved through the ranks to vice president and then president. He played an instrumental role in the deal that saw Goodyear Canada purchase a minority position in the company in 1988. He was CEO from 1992 to 2005 and as chair of the board of directors from 2005 to 2014.
He was most recently Board Chair of ATB Financial, according to an obituary.
In 2003, Mr. Hesje was the recipient of the Henry Singer Award for exceptional leadership by the Canadian Institute of Retailing and Services (CIRAS). In 2010, he was invited by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to join its Environmental Advisory Council.
"Brian was a mentor and role model for the automotive industry in Canada," according to Brent Hesje, Fountain Tire CEO and Mr. Hesje's nephew.
"From our corporate head office and across our network of stores, Brian created many opportunities for our associates and partners to serve customers with integrity. His leadership, work ethic and wry sense of humor will be missed."
Mr. Hesje was dedicated to Alberta's business community and served on multiple public and private boards. He also was an accomplished author and a well-known philanthropist, donating to many initiatives in educational, professional, and recreational fields, according to the company.
He was a longtime supporter of the Rick Hansen Foundation (rickhansen.com), and Fountain Tire has contributed to the organization in his honor.
"Fountain Tire was founded on the principles of partnership, innovation and the drive to succeed. Brian exemplified these values throughout his 30-year career with our company," Brent Hesje said. "We're proud to carry on Brian's legacy of business and community leadership."
Brian Hesje was born in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor's of education and an MBA before going into accounting.
Mr. Hesje is survived by wife Wynne, his daughter, stepdaughter, and grandchildren, as well as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
The service — set for 2 p.m. MST on Dec. 16 — will be livesteamed.
