Founder of Shaver Poultry Breeding Farms dies at age 98

Donald McQueen Shaver, 98, died Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Innisfree House, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Donald McQueen Shaver, 98, died Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Innisfree House, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Shaver was founder of Shaver Poultry Breeding Farms Ltd. and was its chairman and CEO for 35 years, establishing a worldwide system of distribution in more than 90 countries. After retiring and selling the business in 1985, he continued his lifelong advocacy for a sustainable agricultural industry, maintaining foundation stocks in poultry and cattle until 2005. He also had a second career as a corporate director in insurance, energy, communications and manufacturing, retiring in 2008, as chairman of Canada Development Investment Corp., where he served as a director for 25 years.

Shaver was a member of the Canadian Armoured Corps and saw active service in North Africa, Italy and Western Europe in World War II. He was a Past Honorary Colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and was honored to be an officer in the Order of Canada.

He was survived by four children, Jill (Robert) Searson, Catherine Wendy Shaver, Donald (Catherine) Shaver Jr., and Jonathan (Erica) Shaver; three stepchildren, Anne Eklund, Bjorn Richard and Ylva (Bill) Byars; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by brother Marshall, sister.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leila Maria (Oman); brother, Marshall; sister Margaret (Douglas Rundle); parents, James Earle and Betty Duncan Shaver; and former wife, Rena Graham Butler.

A private family service and cremation have taken place. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 7 Queens Square, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14.

Memorials may be made to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital or to Innisfree House, Kitchener, Ontario.

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