It was a gift to know the exceptional Galen Weston
W. Galen Weston was often photographed in black tie at glamorous locations. The photos might lead you to believe he was engaged in a discussion about global economics, which was often the case, but looks could be deceiving.
He was just as likely to be asking someone if they had opened their President’s Choice account yet, or tried the latest PC product. People loved these inquiries and always responded with what he treasured — customer feedback. He was his own mini-polling company.
Mr. Weston’s story — and that of his family — is the stuff of legend.
There was his marriage to Hilary, a talented and intelligent Irish woman who would later become a highly respected lieutenant-governor of Ontario; his friendship with various members of the Royal Family; the story of his grandfather, who founded his first Toronto bakery in 1882; and his infamous brush with a kidnapping attempt at the hands of the IRA.
That he had a storied life is not in question. He was a savvy business titan with an entrepreneurial bent, who expanded his father’s legacy through an uncanny sense of predicting the needs and wants of consumers. He was an unparalleled creative force who was simultaneously a fearless innovator.
However, while it may appear that he seamlessly sailed into great wealth and fortune, it was not without hard work, long hours, endless travelling, deep preparation for presentations and a strong affection for his workers.
The employees at Weston bakeries, cashiers at Loblaws and sales associates at Holt Renfrew knew a man who was passionate about retail; who loved nothing better to linger in his stores (often running late for important business meetings); who was genuinely curious about their stories and their lives. He was so pleased when one of his favourite cashiers invited him to her wedding. With his peripatetic schedule, it was impossible for him to attend, but he was sure to send a lovely gift.
Mr. Weston’s office staff worked all the time — and overtime — because his mind functioned in different time zones. Having come from a Prime Minister’s Office with the same kind of 24/7 work life, those hours were second nature to me, but others would sometimes be startled by the late-night calls. As if sensing that he pushed the envelope with his employees, he was generous and often fun with gifts. One year on Valentine’s Day, his office staff (and no, we were not all women) received orchids with a big question mark on the card as to the sender.
He would never admit to his gesture, and to this day, we never knew how he organized the deliveries without our help!
The highlight of his agenda was always store tours, when he had the chance to question and check in with the support team, sales team and customers. Chatting people up was his métier because his interest and caring were so sincere.
He was a relentless talent-seeker, in Canada and abroad. Reams of business cards with notes about an individual and their abilities and experience would accompany him back to the office. Could he entice someone from B.C. to Toronto? Could we arrange for someone from South Africa to enter Canada so that they could join one of his companies? He was smart enough to appreciate experience and professionalism different from his own, but savvy enough to maintain ultimate authority.
Yet, his guiding star was his wife and family. As the youngest of nine children, his pride in and love for family were always top of mind.
His two children, his siblings, and his many nieces and nephews were an uplifting and constant parade through his office. It was not unusual to find young people in his office, seeking his advice or asking him questions. He was both a mentor and a leader.
Former staff and colleagues express similar sentiments. “It was a privilege to know him.” “I cherish the time I had with him.”
Mr. Weston’s business, philanthropic and family legacy are huge in scope. Just as importantly, the story of his dynamism and optimism will serve as inspiration for future generations — surely, the greatest gift of all.