November marked the loss of three notable businessmen from Ottawa, each of whom made significant contributions to the city over many years.
Solly “Sol” Shabinsky passed away on Nov. 26 at 93 years old, while John Westeinde and Michael Caughey both died on Nov. 29, at ages 87 and 90, respectively.
Sol Shabinsky, founder of Glenview
A native of Ottawa born on March 20, 1932, Shabinsky started his career in grocery advertising in Montreal before coming back to Ottawa to work in his wife’s uncle’s mortgage business, as noted in his obituary.
This decision led him into real estate, where he truly thrived.
In the ’60s, Shabinsky launched Glenview, which grew to become the largest private commercial landlord in Ottawa by the ’90s, according to information from the company’s website.
“He was considered the pioneer of suburban office buildings in Ottawa, developing a widely admired and highly regarded portfolio of properties, including the flagship and national award-winning Carling Executive Park,” his obituary mentioned.
His ambitions went beyond just business. For almost fifty years, Shabinsky owned one of the city’s well-known family businesses-the Ottawa Athletic Club. Before its closure due to the pandemic, this club on Lancaster Road had around 4,000 members with up to 1,500 visitors daily.
He was also recognized for his charitable efforts and various other ventures like The Hayloft and Le Biftheque restaurants, The Sly Fox disco, The Towne Cobbler luggage chain, Marlin Travel and Friends’ Bingo Hall.
Shabinsky is survived by his wife of seven decades along with four children, two daughters-in-law and fifteen grandchildren.
John Westeinde, co-founder of Westeinde Construction
Born in Zeeland in the Netherlands just before World War II began, Westeinde experienced life under occupation during his youth. At age 14, he moved with his family to Canada where they established a small farm near London Ontario.
After finishing engineering studies at Western University in 1962, he began working abroad in England with Wimpey Construction before returning across Canada with Ellis Don based out of London Ontario.
During his time at Fuller Construction while stationed in Ottawa, Westeinde oversaw construction for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Together with his wife Shirley he co-founded Westeinde Construction in 1978 which later evolved into several companies over time.
The couple also made their mark socially: “Their beach parties on the Ottawa River were legendary where hard hats and construction talk gave way to sandals and laughter,” read Westeinde’s obituary.
Throughout his life Westeinde held roles as chair for both the Ottawa Construction Association and Ontario General Contractors Association while being a long-time member of Canadian Construction Association serving on boards as well as committees; he also played a part founding Canadian Design-Build Institute back in ’98.
Westeinde leaves behind three children alongside eleven grandchildren plus two great-grandchildren; he’ll be remembered fondly by siblings plus numerous nieces and nephews-a celebration honoring him will take place Dec.21 at Beechwood National Memorial Centre.
Michael Caughey: Tech Innovator
Caughey was born and raised in New Brunswick but became an influential figure within Ottawa’s tech scene through fourteen years spent working for Bell Northern Research-where he created a microchip design lab among other initiatives.
Diverse leadership positions marked much of Caughey’s career-including significant roles during Mitel’s growth phase; additionally he served as founding president for what would eventually be known as Ottawa Carleton Research Institute.
Caughey co-founded a company that transformed into Kinaxis playing an integral role amid regional innovation growth periods.
A mentor within tech circles; he facilitated connections between startups via monthly Technology Venture Dinners pairing entrepreneurs up directly with potential investors.
“Connecting people was a lifelong passion for Mike; he delighted organizing monthly gatherings known affectionately amongst participants simply dubbed “TEA Party” (held locally minus any politics or actual tea),” stated Caughey’s obituary.
Caughey retired alongside spouse Sue Hamilton settling down finally after years filled sailing adventures exploring remote shores prior transitioning towards land travel culminating seven cross-continent road trips spanning globally together enjoying every moment experienced throughout their journeying lives since they deeply cherished Almonte community upon arrival there post-retirement accordingly.
