Rogers Communications unveiled today a 12-foot bronze statue of Edward S. “Ted” Rogers to celebrate the spirit and legacy of one of Canada’s most respected and influential leaders. Designed by Canadian sculptor and close friend of the Rogers family, Siggy Puchta, the full-length statue, weighing nearly 800 lbs., was inspired by Rogers’s drive and commitment to advancing media and communications in Canada.
“Ted never gave up on a dream and his relentless spirit turned a fledgling radio station into Canada’s most dynamic communications and media company,” said Loretta Rogers, Ted’s wife. “It’s truly an honour to celebrate his incredible accomplishments with the unveiling of a statue at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Ted always felt the Blue Jays played a central role in the civic pride of our country and he loved being amongst the fans at a game. I couldn’t imagine a better home for this special tribute.”
Rogers, who passed away in 2008, was one of the country’s most accomplished entrepreneurs.
Known for his unwavering drive, he built Rogers Communications into a North American leader in wireless telecommunications, cable television, broadcasting, publishing, and more. As Founder, President and CEO of Rogers Communications, he stepped up to the plate and acquired the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000 in an effort to keep the team on Canadian soil. He later purchased SkyDome in 2004, re-branding it Rogers Centre.
“Ted was truly an icon who transformed the communications landscape,” said Nadir Mohamed, President and CEO, Rogers Communications. “He built Rogers Communications from the ground up into one of our country’s greatest success stories. Ted remains a great source of pride internally and his incredible spirit lives on through our 30,000 employees.”
Today’s dedication ceremony was attended by Rogers’s family and close friends, including wife Loretta, their children – Lisa, Edward, Melinda, and Martha – his sister Ann Graham Calderisi, and Rogers Executives and employees, including Nadir Mohamed, Alan Horn and Phil Lind.
“While many remember Ted most for his success in business, he was also known as a generous philanthropist and a dedicated family man,” said Alan Horn, Chairman of the Board, Rogers Communications, and President and CEO, Rogers Telecommunications Limited. “This statue is a great way to commemorate Ted Rogers, a true pioneer of our times.”
The statue stands atop a granite base with four plaques describing Rogers:
1) Edward S. “Ted” Rogers 1933-2008
2) Founder, President and CEO, Rogers Communications 1960-2008
3) “The Best is Yet to Come”
4) Visionary, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Passionate Canadian
The statue will remain permanently outside Rogers Centre, facing Bremner Boulevard near Gates 5 and 6.
