Jack Rhind has been a true friend to the ROM for more than three decades. As one of our most senior and beloved volunteers, and a generous donor, Jack has truly helped shape the Museum. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1985-88 during the ROM’s Gallery Development Campaign. He joined the very first Board of Governors from 1992-1996, and then served on the Renaissance ROM Campaign Cabinet. Jack remains a member of the Royal Patrons Circle and an Honorary Governor and Honorary Trustee–and well deserves those honours!
Jack and his wife Elizabeth (“Dibs”) shared a long and committed relationship with the ROM. In 2002, they established the Elizabeth Rhind Fund for Collections Care, which continues in memory of Dibs, who died in 2003. Dibs was involved in every aspect of the Museum. She was one of the founders of the Department of Museum Volunteers, and a member of the Board of Trustees. Jack and friends described the ROM as her second home. Clearly, this extraordinary couple had a special love and commitment for each other, and for the Museum.
Jack has had a fascinating life, and considers himself “lucky.” As a young man from Rosedale, he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery right after university and fought in Italy, which included the Battle of Monte Cassino. At the request of Historica Canada he talks at schools about WWII and his experiences in charge of a troop of guns. Returning to Toronto, he became a successful business executive, president of National Life Assurance, Confederation Life Insurance, and Chairman of Midland Walwyn. But looking back, he considers the luckiest thing that ever happened to him was meeting and marrying his wife, Dibs.
“The ROM has been an interesting and significant chapter of my life,” says Jack. “I have so many happy memories of our work on behalf of this world-class institution and it's been a privilege to have been so involved. Right now the leadership at both the Museum and the Governors with Josh Basseches and Susan Horvath is so strong, that it’s exciting to imagine what’s ahead. I am so proud to have made a contribution.”
Jack, we celebrate all 100 of your years, grateful so many of them have been as part of our ROM family.