February 01

Conn Smythe was a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and ice hockey executive. He purchased and rebuilt the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading the team to five Stanley Cup championships. Smythe commissioned the construction of Maple Leaf Gardens, one of Canada's most iconic sports arenas. His business ventures included mining and automotive dealerships. Known for his strong leadership and hockey acumen, he shaped the professional game in Canada. Smythe's legacy endures through the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's playoff MVP.

Born in Montreal in 1908, Louis Rasminsky studied at McGill University and the University of Chicago, earning a doctorate in economics. He joined the Bank of Canada shortly after its creation and became Deputy Governor in 1954. In 1961, Rasminsky was appointed Governor, a position he held until 1973, guiding Canada through a period of economic expansion and monetary challenges. He advised the federal government on fiscal policy and helped establish international economic cooperation. Rasminsky was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1969. His leadership strengthened Canada's financial institutions and monetary stability.

Ben Weider (1923–2008) co-founded the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness (IFBB) with his brother Joe Weider, shaping the modern bodybuilding industry. Under his leadership, the IFBB expanded its reach to over 190 countries, establishing professional competitions like Mr. Olympia. Weider championed nutrition, training research, and athlete welfare, elevating bodybuilding from niche sport to global phenomenon. He authored books on physical culture and served as an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee's Commission on Sports. Honored with awards such as the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame induction, Weider's legacy endures in gyms and fitness communities around the world.

Born in 1957 in Jeddah, Mohammed Jamal Khalifa built a career in international trade and charitable work across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Leveraging his wealthy family background, he founded relief organizations focused on education and development. Khalifa faced allegations of using these charities to finance extremist networks, drawing scrutiny from global intelligence agencies. Despite investigations, much about his business dealings remained opaque. In 2007, he died under mysterious circumstances in the Philippines, sparking further speculation. His life continues to be examined in studies of global security and philanthropic funding.