The patriarch of a family-owned business that grew into one of the region’s most diversified auto dealer groups has died.
Cape Breton residents are remembering Lloyd MacDonald as an extraordinary entrepreneur, a dedicated family man and a visionary.
MacDonald’s auto empire had humble beginnings. It began half a century ago as a single dealership that sold Japanese cars. The owner called himself “Tokyo Lloyd” and appeared in TV ads as a samurai warrior. The dealership employed six people.
Today, the MacDonald group represents five major car makers, with a staff of 186.
There were tough times when MacDonald was just starting out, and he recalled those struggles when Cape Breton University awarded him an honorary degree in October, 2011.
“People ask me if I ever dreamed I would get this big,” said MacDonald. “My biggest dream in the earliest days was getting enough groceries on the table for the boys to eat. They had a bad habit, they liked to eat. It was very expensive.”
Four of MacDonald’s ten sons now help run the dealerships. The eldest says his 82-year-old father was ahead of his time.
“He was one of the first dealers in Cape Breton to have a computer system,” says Jim MacDonald. “He certainly was a visionary. He inspired us to be successful.”
Paul Tompkins is one of the company’s longest serving employees. He is now in his fourth decade with the MacDonald group.
“Unlike so many who achieved enormous success in business, it never spoiled him,” says Tompkins. “Lloyd was always a riot, loved to have a good time, loved fun, loved his music, family was always first.”
MacDonald’s business success earned him other honours, including induction into the Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
“He certainly proved himself as a businessman,” says Owen Fitzgerald, past president of the Chamber of Commerce. “He built an empire. He was a mentor to many people. He gave so much to this community. The community is going to miss this man.”
Mourners can pay their respects on Friday at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. A funeral Mass is set for Saturday.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Randy MacDonald
