Forestry titan Irving ‘Ike’ Barber became a doctor in name on Thursday.
In Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University awarded Barber a doctor of laws for his decades of service in B.C.’s resource sector, notably the forestry industry.
Barber, who dropped out of school in Grade 11, spent his working life in the forestry sector and later founded Slocan Forest Products.
Barber eventually built Slocan into one of the province’s largest forestry companies before Canfor (TSX:CFP) bought it for $650 million in 2004.
Last year, Barber donated $2.5 million to Kwantlen, the largest donation in the history of the institution, to create the Irving K. Barber Endowment for Educational Opportunities.
“I hold Kwantlen in high regard for its ability to build pride in students and help them realize their potential,” said Barber. “I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognized by Kwantlen with this doctorate.”
Business in Vancouver profiled Barber in 2005. (See “Barber on Books” – issue 843; December 20-26, 2005.)
Joel McKay