B.C. wine pioneer Anthony von Mandl and his centenarian artist-designer mother, Bedriska v. Mandl, receive Capilano University honourary degrees
The wineries-owner’s mom, 105, worked as a fashion designer in Czechoslovakia before being forced to flee Europe prior to the Second World War
Bedriska v Mandl is an impassioned advocate for youth and social causes. Photo via Capilano University
ANTHONY VON MANDL, the billionaire owner of several B.C. wineries, and his mother, Bedriska v. Mandl—a fashion designer, artist, author, community activist, and advocate for youth and social causes—have been jointly awarded Capilano University’s highest form of recognition.
Anthony von Mandl received an honourary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa while Bedriska v Mandl received an honourary Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa at the university’s June 9 spring 2021 convocation ceremonies.
A driving force behind the von Mandl Family Foundation supporting the arts, health, youth, and environment-based initiatives, Bedriska v Mandl turned 105 this past April. She attended design school in Vienna and worked as a fashion designer in Czechoslovakia before forced to flee her homeland in 1937. She ultimately gained passage on the French Line’s SS Champlain, the last civilian ocean liner to depart France for the safety of North America before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Along with her husband, Martin, Bedriska v Mandl landed at Ellis Island then travelled across the United States by train. They came to Vancouver in 1940.
“The couple arrived at the Canadian Border in Blaine, Washington where an immigration officer offered his hand and greeted them by saying, ‘Welcome to Canada,’ at which point Bedriska broke down in tears,” according to a Capilano University release. “Only in late 1945 did she learn that other than her brother, her entire immediate family had perished in the Holocaust.”
Bedriska. v. Mandl has received numerous other local and international awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor that pays tribute to individuals who have made it their life’s mission to share their knowledge, compassion, and generosity.
Anthony von Mandl is a business magnate and art collector who helped transform the Okanagan Valley into a wine and tourism destination. Having made his initial fortune from Mike’s Hard Lemonade, the founder of Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits, which also makes White Claw Hard Selzer, owns Mission Hill Family Estate, Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, and Liquidity.
The Officer of the Order of Canada’s wineries are credited with having “transformed the wine industry in Canada”, according to Canada's Governor General.
Earlier this year, Capilano University gave out its 2021 Alumni Awards of Excellence. Among the recipients were David Vertesi, singer-songwriter of Vancouver indie-rock band Hey Ocean; Orene Askew, aka DJ O Show, a Squamish Nation Councillor; and Sean Aiken, inspirational author, speaker, and filmmaker.
For more information, see Capilano University.
Mission Hill Family Estate was the first winery Anthony von Mandl purchased. Photo by Gail Johnson
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