Memorable Manitobans: Richard Arthur Northwood “Dick” Bonnycastle (1934-2023)

Businessman, philanthropist.

Born at Winnipeg on 26 September 1934, son of Richard Henry Gardyne Bonnycastle and Mary Frances Margaret Northwood (1907-1994), he was educated at Ravenscourt School, Trinity College School, and the University of Manitoba (BComm 1956). He worked as an underwriter for the Great-West Life Assurance Company before founding Cavendish Investing Limited, where he devoted most of his time as of 1968.

He co-owned and operated Harlequin Enterprises, publisher of Harlequin Romance books, and owned and operated Harlequin Ranches, a thoroughbred horse racing stable and two cattle operations, Goose Lake Cattle Company, and Bar TH Ranching Limited. He was a Director for the Canada Development Investment Corporation and the Torstar Corporation.

He was a member of the Jockey Club of Canada and Lakewood Country Club, and President of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society. He supported many organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Banff Centre for the Arts, Calgary Health Trust, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and FortWhyte Alive. In recognition of his community service, he was inducted into the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt (2016).

He died at Calgary, Alberta on 8 March 2023.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 18 March 2023.

We thank E. James Arnett for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 15 July 2023

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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