Bertram Loeb, Operator of Canada's 1st IGA Store, Dies
OTTAWA, Canada -- Bertram Loeb, the supermarket operator who opened Canada's first IGA franchise, died Monday of multiple myeloma. He was 90.
Loeb was the second oldest of six sons of Russian immigrant Moses Loeb, who founded the family business in 1912 by selling candy and tobacco to grocery stores from a wagon, according to CBC News.
Following World War II, Loeb took over the family business, expanding it in 1950 from a small wholesale warehouse operation and adding a store - the first IGA franchise in the country. Loeb remained a director of the company until 1977.
Loeb Canada Inc. is now owned by Montreal-based grocery store giant Metro Inc.
Loeb is survived by his daughters Naomi and Diane, grandson Samuel, and brothers Jules and David.
Loeb was the second oldest of six sons of Russian immigrant Moses Loeb, who founded the family business in 1912 by selling candy and tobacco to grocery stores from a wagon, according to CBC News.
Following World War II, Loeb took over the family business, expanding it in 1950 from a small wholesale warehouse operation and adding a store - the first IGA franchise in the country. Loeb remained a director of the company until 1977.
Loeb Canada Inc. is now owned by Montreal-based grocery store giant Metro Inc.
Loeb is survived by his daughters Naomi and Diane, grandson Samuel, and brothers Jules and David.