- JODREY, John Joseph — 98, Hantsport and Chester, wellknown Nova Scotian industrialist, beloved husband of 73 years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and philanthropist, died peacefully in Chester on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Born in Gaspereau, Kings Co., on September 18, 1913, he was the son of the late Roy and Lena Isabel (Coldwell) Jodrey. After graduating from Wolfville High School, he then attended and graduated from Horton Business Academy. His beginnings were humble. He owned and operated a service station in Pictou for two years, followed by an apple orchard operation. While still in his 20s John joined the family business of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Limited and shortly thereafter Canadian Keyes Fibre Inc., Hantsport. In both companies he rose to the office of President and Chairman. His tenure was to last several decades and under his guidance these companies expanded into new markets and product lines including new divisions in British Columbia and Ontario. He also served as President of Scotia Investments Limited for over 60 years. His leadership, energy and direction coupled with his thoughtfulness and foresight resulted in his being in demand as a corporate director in several companies including Avon Valley Greenhouses Limited, Ben’s Limited., L.E. Shaw Ltd., Halifax Developments Ltd., and Moirs Ltd. He also served as Chairman of Maritime Paper Products Limited and Minas Basin Holdings Limited for several years. John also served as a director of several public companies including Algoma Central Corporation, Crown Life Insurance Company, Extendicare (Crownx) and the Bank of Nova Scotia. He held several honorary directorships until his passing. His role in life was not solely that of a business person, he also deeply believed in giving back to his community. Education and community endeavours were a driving force throughout his life. He was the first President of the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre. He was one of the four original founding members of the Centre, which was incorporated in 1948 and served as President for almost a decade. John served on the Board of Governors of Acadia University during which time the Jodrey School of Computer Science was established. He also served on the board of King’s-Edgehill School for several years. At L’Université Sainte-Anne he provided an endowment for the creation of the Jodrey Centre. He served as Chancellor of Technical University of Nova Scotia (DalTech) for several years and was elevated to Chancellor Emeritus. He also served as a director of the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation and was a member of the Dalhousie Bureau of Industry. In recognition of his outstanding citizenship, he was awarded Honorary Degrees from Acadia University, Technical University of Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 1994. He was a member of Poyntz Lodge 44, Masonic Order, Hantsport and a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree mason of the Valley of Halifax. For his significant achievement and remarkable service he was inducted into the Order of Canada in February 2000, as a Companion of Merit. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas (Johanna) Jodrey, Hantsport and sister, Florence (Lovett) Bishop, Hantsport.
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1913 - 2012 (98 years)
