UDI recognizes accomplishments of 2014 Hall of Fame inductees
The Urban Development Institute welcomed four new inductees to the UDI Hall of Fame in recognition of their career achievements in B. C.’ s development industry, as well as their philanthropic contributions.
Keith Beedie began his career as a carpenter, framing and roofing houses. He has grown his company, Beedie Development Group, over the past 60 years and to date, the company has built over 934 buildings and more than 20 million square feet of industrial space. Keith’s philanthropic efforts include building a softball park for the SFU women’s softball team, and providing funds for an MRI at Burnaby General Hospital. Keith has also made significant contributions to Simon Fraser University, now home to the Beedie School of Business.
Joe Segal is one of the greatest examples of entrepreneurial success in Vancouver. Joe started in the war surplus business and expanded his retail operations, eventually founding the Fields Store chain. Later, Fields acquired Zellers, and Joe joined the board of The Hudson’s Bay. Joe began to grow his real estate business and formed Kingswood Capital Corporation in 1979. Together with his wife Rosalie, Joe has been involved with countless charities and causes, including the new Joseph & Rosalie Health Centre at Vancouver General Hospital. Joe also served as chancellor of Simon Fraser University for six years, and contributed to the creation of the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue.
Robert H. Lee received a commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and had a keen eye on real estate early in his career. After much success in the industry, Robert formed his own company, Prospero International Realty, in 1979. Prospero’s property management portfolio is now valued in excess of $ 600 million. Prospero is also involved with sales and leasing, and investment. As a philanthropist, Robert has contributed to many charities and causes, and he is a recipient of both the Order of B. C. and the Order of Canada.
The late Milan Ilich started a small paving company, Progressive Construction, with his wife Maureen. Over the years, the company evolved and began building major infrastructure projects and entire communities. Milan’s generous donations to local hospitals have helped countless British Columbians receive world- class medical attention. Milan also invested in the 86ers soccer team and helped establish the Giants hockey team. In 2010, the provincial government named Milan to the Order of B. C. Milan’s son, Rick Ilich, accepted the honour on his behalf.