Jack Diamond - Vancouver

Jack Diamond has left an indelible mark on the history of British Columbia, as a businessman, sportsman, philanthropist and community-minded citizen. A Polish immigrant, he purchased the Pacific Meat Company in 1940 and built it into the largest packing house in B.C.

In 1954, the British Empire Games came to British Columbia. Empire Stadium had to be built for the track and field events but there was not enough money to finish the project. Jack Diamond assumed the role of organizer to raise the money privately to pay for the stadium's roof. He enlisted the help of many of his business and social friends, raised $360,000 and the project was completed.

Jack Diamond created a "Day at the Races", an imaginative program that annually introduces another season of thoroughbred horse racing. It has raised more than $1 million for charity organizations.

In 1965, when the late Harry Howard was attempting to start a Variety Club chapter in B.C., Mr. Diamond invited the group to the Clubhouse at The Track. He sponsored the dinner meeting and became a charter member of Tent 47, one of the most productive Tents in Variety's world.

Jack Diamond's leadership has brought together sportsmen from across the province time and again to raise other much needed funding. He loved horse racing and has been largely responsible for the survival of thoroughbred racing in British Columbia.

He has served on Simon Fraser University's Board of Governors and as its second chancellor. Jack Diamond co-founded what later grew into the B.C. Heart Foundation.