Michael G DeGroote

Founded Laidlaw Ltd - a transporatation company Michael George DeGroote died almost a month after his 89th birthday September 12, 2022 Michael was born in Flanders, Belgium on August 13, 1933, and immigrated to Canada after World War II in 1948, at the age of 14. In 1959, he purchased Laidlaw Transport, a small Canadian trucking operation, and during the next 31 years with his leadership became one of the fastest growing companies - North America's largest school bus operator and the third largest waste company in North America. After retirement he purchased Republic Industries with Wayne Huizenga, which became Century Business Services Inc., which by the year 2000 became the 7th largest accounting firm in the USA. Together they founde AutoNation which becamehe largest US auto retailer. Michael was a proud father to four children: Gary (Laurie) DeGroote, Joni Tipping, Tim DeGroote, and Michael Jr. (Carrie) DeGroote. A devoted grandfather to 12 grandchildren: Jena (Brad), Jesse (Shantelle), Jacki, Jameson (Mary), Brandon (Loren), Devin (Caitlyn), Shane, Megan (Evan), Victoria, Mikaela, Michael III and Christopher; as well as a proud great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren, Keilan, Taysen, Nash, Summer, Rose, Mavrik, Maxis, Skye, Miles, Cooper and Sully.