Sir Graham Day speaks during an interview after delivering a keynote address at the University of Alberta in 2001. Photo by POSTMEDIA FILEArticle contentProminent lawyer and corporate executive Sir J. Graham Day, who sold shoes to put himself through Dalhousie law school and became the last Canadian to receive knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II, has died.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentDay passed away July 31 at Hants Community Hospital in Windsor. He was 92.Article contentArticle contentA decorated business leader, Day’s long and varied career included leadership roles on both sides of the Atlantic.Article contentArticle contentHe ran CP Rail and Hydro One in Ontario and was CEO of British Shipbuilders and the Rover Group. He was chairman of British Aerospace and multinational confectionery company Cadbury Schweppes, between its last two family chairs, Sir Adrian Cadbury and Sir Dominic Cadbury.Article content Sir Graham Day receives his Order of Nova Scotia from Lt. Governor Mayann Francis at a ceremony in 2011. Photo by CHRONICLE HERALD FILEArticle contentDay oversaw the privatization of British Shipbuilders in the 1980s and went on to privatize Austin Rover in 1986, which was renamed The Rover Group and eventually Land Rover, which was repositioned as a luxury brand.Article contentHe became known as U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s privatization czar.Article content“Canada has lost a great citizen and our communities in Kings-Hants have lost a tremendous resident,” Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois wrote in a Facebook post.Article content“I had the privilege of meeting Graham and his wife Lady Ann, early in my time of becoming the MP in Kings-Hants. Graham and Ann were always generous with their time and welcoming.”Article contentArticle contentBorn in Halifax and raised in the north end, Day sold Hartt shoes at Simpson Sears in Halifax and supplemented his income with work on the CBC variety show Singalong Jubilee.Article contentIn 1989, Day was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his service to British industry.Article content Sir Graham Day, as chair of Hydro One Inc., speaks to members of the Canadian Club of Toronto at the Royal York hotel in 2001. Photo by POSTMEDIA FILEArticle contentHe was recognized with both the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2006.Article contentDay, who also served as Chancellor of Dalhousie University from 1994 to 2001, eventually settled in Hantsport and remained active in his community. He continued mentoring young professionals late into his life and was a counsel at Stewart McKelvey law firm.Article content“Graham enjoyed talking politics and public affairs in Nova Scotia, he was passionate about his beloved Hantsport, and I viewed him (as) a trusted sounding board,” Blois wrote in his Facebook post.Article content“Graham was also supportive of my wife Kimberly who is at Stewart McKelvey, where Graham served as counsel. Every time I was in Hantsport I would make a point of stopping by the house.”Article contentDay is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lady Ann, three children and three grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Aug. 22 in Windsor.Article content
Canada has lost a great citizen: Day remembered as distinguished business leader, Thatchers privatization czar
