Longtime successful Barrie businessman and philanthropist Paul Sadlon has died. He was 93.
Sadlon’s death was announced Dec. 20 at Sadlon Arena shortly before the start of an Ontario Hockey League game between the Barrie Colts and the London Knights.
Two days later, Paul Sadlon Motors confirmed his passing in a message posted on Facebook.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the Sadlon family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Paul,” the post read.
Sadlon founded Paul Sadlon Motors in Barrie’s north end in 1971.The dealership grew into one of Canada’s top General Motors
dealerships, helping establish Sadlon as one of the city’s most popular business figures.
His name became closely associated with Barrie over the decades, both through his business success and his philanthropic
contributions. In 2011, the Sadlon family donated $2 million to Georgian College to support the development of the Sadlon Centre for Health and Wellness.
In 2019, a 10-year naming rights agreement valued at $1.7 million was signed with Paul Sadlon Motors, renaming the Barrie Molson Centre as Sadlon Arena. The arena is the primary home of the Barrie Colts.
Sadlon was also involved in several charitable initiatives across Barrie and surrounding communities.
Local leaders offered condolences following news of his death.
Barrie South–Innisfil MP John Brassard wrote on Facebook that Sadlon never lost sight of the role his customers and employees played in his success.
“With all his success, Paul never forgot how it happened,” he wrote.
“He knew it came as a result of his customers and employees and always, with a deep sense of appreciation, shared that success by giving so much back to the communities he, his family, his employees and his customers lived.”
Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey also shared his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the family,” he stated.
“He left a massive impact on Barrie and area in so many ways.”
Sadlon is survived by his daughter, Jan, and son, Paul Jr.
