Tributes continue to pour in for well-known philanthropist, businessman and member of the Order of Manitoba, Doug Harvey, who passed away Wednesday after a decade-long battle with cancer.
Harvey, the CEO and founder of the DLH Group, was born and raised in Winnipeg.
Business legacy
In 1981, Harvey bought his first truck dealership in Winnipeg. His enterprises continued to grow and include companies in retail and distribution, manufacturing, and land development.
The companies include Maxim Truck & Trailer, Tereck Diesel, Summit Trailer, Arne’s Welding, Toowoomba Land Company and Trout River Industries. In total, he employed more than 800 people across Canada.
Giving back
Harvey was also active in the community and encouraged his employees to do the same. He served on numerous boards and industry committees and was engaged in a wide range of philanthropic activities.
This year alone, Harvey raised over $1.8 million for CancerCare Manitoba, all while fighting his own battle with cancer.
After an 11-and-a-half-year battle with prostate cancer, Harvey was admitted to the palliative care program in May. He died Wednesday.
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Tributes pour in
Mayor Scott Gillingham said Doug was a proud Winnipeg booster and a highly successful business leader who built companies, created jobs and contributed significantly to our city’s economy.
“But what stands out just as much is what he did with that success,” said Gillingham. “He cared deeply about Winnipeg and showed it through years of generous support for countless non-profit organizations, community boards and major fundraising campaigns.”
He said after meeting Doug the night he was inducted into the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame, he was struck by Harvey’s humour and by how he often credited his family and staff for his success.
“I left that evening feeling grateful that Winnipeg had people like Doug Harvey, people who succeed, give back and use their good fortune to help make their community stronger,” said Gillingham. “Winnipeg has lost a great community builder. He will be missed.”
An extraordinary friend
Harvest Manitoba also shared kind words about Harvey, saying he was an extraordinary friend.
“For decades, Doug gave generously, helping us provide millions of meals to Manitoba families facing food insecurity,” said Harvest Manitoba. “Doug’s generosity and compassion touched more than our organization alone, and his legacy of giving will be felt across the many causes he championed throughout his life.”
FortWhyte Alive said Harvey was simply larger than life.
“For over 30 years, Doug has been a solid presence at FortWhyte Alive. As Chair of our Legacy Society, a driving force behind multiple capital expansions, and our Sunset BBQ emcee for many years, his presence lit up every room, and even the big outdoor spaces,” said FortWhyte Alive.
FortWhyte Alive said he believed in Winnipeg and in Manitoba and invested fiercely in the future of the community.
“Doug supported so many worthy causes in our community and always led by example, but his biggest source of pride and joy was always his family. Our hearts are with them today as they navigate this immeasurable loss,” said FortWhyte Alive. “The world feels a little quieter today without his laughter and energy, but his legacy will live on in every acre of land he helped protect and every generation of nature lover he helped inspire.”
Harvey was 72