The matriarch of the Rogers family and co-founder of Rogers Communications Inc. Has passed away. Loretta Rodgers, the company’s longtime director and the wife of Ted Rodgers, the telecoms giant’s eponymous CEO, has died at the age of 83, having served as the company’s corporate director since 1964.
In a statement, Edward Rodgers – Loretta’s son and chairman of Rogers Communications – expressed embarrassment over her death.
“Lisa, Melinda, Martha and I are deeply saddened by our mother’s death. We grieve for an amazing woman who had love and compassion in her heart, kindness in her soul and who had incredible strength of character, he said.
“She lived a full and vital life and we, like all those who knew her, will deeply miss her leadership and guidance.
Sister Martha Rodgers also expressed her feelings on Twitter, saying that “a wonderful soul has left us today. She was the only spirit of her kind to spread love like wildfire. ”
Rodgers’ death comes after a turbulent period in the family’s time as the most influential family in the Canadian telecommunications industry.
Last year, Loretta joined her daughters Melinda and Martha in support of former CEO Joe Natale in a dramatic battle in the boardroom – instigated by Edward Rodgers – for the removal of Natal.
The battle was eventually settled in the British Columbia Supreme Court, which upheld Mr Rodgers’ ability to determine the company’s management. Natale was replaced by current CEO Tony Stafieri.
This decision is the result of Mr. Rodgers’ control over the family trust, which was set up to run the company after his death in 2008.
Loretta Rodgers was a member of this 10-member family trust, and it is unclear who will replace her on his advisory committee or when. The company is currently in the midst of an attempt to acquire Shaw Communications for $ 20 billion, which is working through regulatory reviews.
Loretta Rodgers in 2014
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