Koerner, Walter C., 1898-1995

Born and raised in northern Moravia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Walter Koerner undertook his post-secondary education in Vienna. After World War I Walter worked with his brothers in the management end of his father's lumber and forest products firm (J. Koerner Forest Industry Limited). In September, 1938, some of the Koerners, including Walter, left Czechoslovakia as invasion from Germany was imminent. Walter Koerner joined his brothers in B.C. in November, 1939, where Leon Koerner had purchased a lumber mill in New Westminster and established a new family firm, naming it Alaska Pine Limited. The company became one of the largest wood products manufacturers in B.C. during the 1940s and 1950s. After expanding into the pulp and paper business in 1950, Alaska Pine and Cellulose Company sold itself to Rayonier of New York in 1954. Walter Koerner made numerous contributions in the realm of public service and philanthropy. His membership on boards included UBC's Board of Governors (1957-1972), the Economic Council of Canada (1963-1972), and the St. John's Ambulance Association (1957-1966). Among his many donations, he contributed very generously to the University of British Columbia. He died July 21, 1995, on his 97th birthday.