Richard Peddie BComm '70, LLD '01

Staunch Supporter Scores big for Windsor!

A native of Windsor, Richard A. Peddie graduated from the University of Windsor in 1970 with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree. He then joined Colgate Palmolive in 1970 where he stayed for a 3 year period holding a variety of positions in sales, market research, industrial engineering, and marketing.

His illustrious career included senior positions with General Foods, Hostess Foods and Pillsbury Canada Ltd. during the next 16 years.

In 1989, he was appointed President and CEO of the Toronto SkyDome. In 1994, he moved on to Labatt Communications Inc. where he was responsible for the overall development of the non-broadcast side of L.C.I.

Peddie became President of the Toronto Raptors basketball team in 1996 and two years later was named President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLSE), Air Canada Centre)

Peddie is a staunch supporter of the University of Windsor, its business school and its athletic programs. He has been very generous with his energy, time and his personal resources.

In 1998, he received the very prestigious Clark Award, presented to outstanding alumni who have made remarkable contributions bringing honour and recognition to the University. At the Spring 2001 Convocation ceremonies, Peddie received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Windsor. In 2009 he was presented with the Alumni Award of Merit.

He was named the 2002 Odette School of Business Executive-in-Residence and continues to be a tremendous resource to both students and faculty.

More recently, the Windsor Lancers welcomed back Peddie, who was in town to help kick off Full Court Press for 2009 (FCP), the Lancer Men’s Basketball fundraising initiative to bring a championship back to Windsor by 2009 (40 years since the last Lancer Canadian Championship), through increased resources in recruiting, academic awards and alumni relations.

Peddie put Full Court Press for 2009 into full gear, presenting a speech titled “Creating Champions” to a room full of Lancer supporters at a Gala dinner at the Hiram Walker Centre. He spoke of the past champions and asked the Lancer community to dig deep and give to this initiative to bring the W.P. McGee trophy back to Windsor where it was first presented to the Assumption Lancers in 1963.

Always leading by example, Peddie put his money where his mouth is and presented the lead donation of $30 000 for the initiative.

During his stay he was treated to a whole day of Lancer events that included a reception with the Championship teams from 1963 and 1979. Peddie still remembers what it felt like when the Lancers won three M.P. McGee championship trophies during his time here at Windsor. He wants to “taste the champagne together” again.

- 2004 (Updated 2009)