Robert Schad, Husky founder, dies at 95

“Robert was more than our founder, he was an industry pioneer, innovative thinker, and forward-thinking leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the values and purpose that we at Husky uphold to this day,” Husky said in a statement. “Robert’s legacy will continue to guide us as we honor the standards of industry-leading excellence he instilled into Husky’s DNA. His passion for excellence, the environment, and sustainability has left an indelible mark on not only Husky but continues to resonate throughout our entire industry.” 

Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Nov. 3, 1928, Schad arrived in Canada in 1951, one day shy of his 23rd birthday. By that time, he had survived a firing squad and relentless bombings during World War II. Even at an early age, acquaintances might have been expecting big things — according to materials provided by the Schad Foundation, a third-grade teacher had predicted he would become a criminal or a great man. 

He had $25 in his pocket, along with a letter of reference from Albert Einstein. 

He founded Husky in 1953 as a snowmobile manufacturing company that produced the Huskymobile. But it proved more viable on pavement than snow. At that point, Schaad turned his attention to toolmaking, according to the Plastics Hall of Fame, to which he was inducted in 2006. 

Schad believed he was hampered by the injection molding machines of the time, considering them too slow. So, in 1960, he designed and built his own high-speed injection molding machine. 

His engineering skills were unmatched, remembered people who posted tributes to Schaad on LinkedIn. 

“I had tremendous respect for Robert,” wrote Stephen Cernava, an engineer who at one point worked for Husky, according to his LinkedIn profile. “[Schaad] was an engineer's engineer and could see through BS better than anyone! He could see the value in a new idea before it was even fully developed!” 

A demanding and tough boss, Schad also was loyal and generous, former employees remembered. 

“He was an exceptional employer and mentor,” wrote Carine Strong, who worked at Husky for about 30 years. “I recall in the early eighties Husky was not doing well and he asked us all to take a 10% pay cut but promised that he would give it back within a year and he would roll out a profit sharing program. As a man of his word, he did both and turned the company around. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work closely with him.”  

Schad sold Husky in 2007 and began Athena Automation just one year later. At the time he left, Husky had sales of $1 billion, 3,350 employees, a 75 percent global market share in PET systems and 1,600 patents. Customers in more than 100 countries used its technologies. 

Athena/Niigon was less successful, becoming entangled in legal disputes with Husky over intellectual property rights. Niigon filed for bankruptcy in 2021.  

A lover of the outdoors who believed he was privileged with the opportunity to give back, Schad embraced sustainability long before it became a buzzword in the industry.  

Former employees remembered environmental initiatives that included organic gardening at Husky.  

During his lifetime, he donated $200 million to various initiatives. His Schad Foundation supported the creation of nearly 75 percent of Canada’s protected areas and established Earth Rangers, the world’s largest youth conservation group. He also was a major benefactor for the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Schad Clinic.  

“Robert's leadership and foresight were instrumental in setting new standards for quality and efficiency in plastics manufacturing,” Husky VP Wassim F. Labban remembered in a LinkedIn post. “His dedication to sustainable practices set the stage for an environmentally responsible manufacturing, long before sustainability became a global imperative.” 

Over his lifetime, Schad received numerous honors. He was an Honorary Chief of Moose Deer Point First Nation, a rare achievement for a non-Indigenous person. He received honorary degrees from McMaster University, Carleton University and Humber College, and was named to the Order of Canada. 

According to his obituary, Schad enjoyed waterskiing and heli-skiing, windsurfing, playing tennis, riding horses and entertaining guests on Lanoka Island on the Georgian Bay in Ontario. 

He was known for his energy and curiosity.  

At one point early in his career, according to information provided by his foundation, he moonlighted as the partner at a bar, commuting on weekends from Canada where he had his machinery business to Barbados, where managed the club and entertained girlfriends.  

Online remembrances paid tribute to his storytelling abilities.  

His obituary recalled, “He was a man of great integrity, whose word was his bond. His values of hard work, excellence, innovation and social responsibility remained firm and unyielding, even in the face of adversity.” 

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth; his children, Michael (Claire), Katherine and Mark (Karen); many grandchildren; and friends. He was predeceased by his first wife, Herta; daughter Lili; sister Annina; half-brother Thomas; and stepsiblings Marianne, Margrit and Wolfgang.  

The obituary notes he also leaves many friends. 

Online, many people credited him for the success in their own careers, saying he had left a lasting legacy.  

“Robert was truly an amazing man,” wrote Robert Sicilia, director of strategic programs and business development for PET prefotrms at Milacron. on LinkedIn. “I was truly blessed to have had known him and worked along side him for more than 30 years. Everything I learned and achieved I owe it all to him. His tenacious drive to achieve excellence helped me to never accept good as good enough. On a personal note I loved the many stories he would tell at the lunch room table that always left us in awe.” 

Donations in Schad’s honor can be made to Earth Rangers at www.earthrangers.com.