After a $50 million donation towards its construction, Jim Pattison’s name is on the children’s hospital in Saskatoon.
Now, it’s also on a Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award, presented last month in a private ceremony. Originally from Luseland, Pattison’s business interests extend from Save-On Foods to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and numerous TV and radio stations.
“Mr. Pattison has not only enriched Saskatchewan’s economy, he has also improved the lives of citizens in our province,” said Premier Scott Moe in a media release. “I want to personally thank Mr. Pattison for his work and continued contributions.”
Pattison may also be known for his 2017 purchase of Marilyn Monroe’s dress worn when she sang Happy Birthday to U.S. president John F. Kennedy, and displaying it in Luseland as well as his grocery stores in Regina and Saskatoon.
The award is given to non-residents of the province who have made outstanding contributions to the province and its economy, culture and society. Other recipients over the last 25 years include Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath, agricultural entrepreneur Huseyin Arslan and actors and singers Tom Jackson and Buffy Sainte-Marie.
