Canadian-born FijiWater, Barrick Gold founder, lifelong entrepreneur
He was the dashing son of a prominent Toronto-banker, who teamed up with Holocaust refugee Peter Munk in 1960 to build luxury stereos. Clairtone quickly became one of Canada’s most iconic companies with its products endorsed by Frank Sinatra. But the duo lost financial control of Clairtone after stumbling in an effort to manufacture colour TVs.
In the 1970s, Gilmour and Munk ventured into the hotel industry in the South Pacific and made a substantial profit of $130 million. They paid themselves a 25% dividend but then invested the remaining balance (~$500 million today) in an unsuccessful oil and gas venture.
Undeterred, they turned to the gold industry and soon purchased a Nevada mine for $60 million. This investment proved to be a game-changer, as a few months later, they discovered a major deposit, propelling Barrick into becoming the world's largest gold producer.
Tragedy struck Gilmour's life in 1983 when his 22-year-old daughter was brutally murdered, a case that remained unsolved for nearly forty years. Seeking solace, Gilmour retreated to Fiji, where he constructed a luxurious hotel frequented by celebrities. He also established Fiji Water, which has since become one of the largest water companies worldwide.
Last year, thanks to public DNA family tree websites, the Toronto police made a breakthrough in his daughter's murder case. An Ontario man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Erin Gilmour.
Only seven months later, on June 11, 2023, at the age of 91, David Gilmour passed away at his home in Manhattan.
Peter Munk, Gilmour's longtime business partner, died in 2018, but their incredible legacy lives on.
