The establishment man

by Peter Charles Newman

Conrad Moffat Black (1944- ) was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to George Montagu Black, Jr. (1911-1976) and Jean Elizabeth Riley (1913-1976). The Black family moved from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Winnipeg in 1882 and became involved in various businesses. In 1937 George married Jean who was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, she came from one of the most prominent families in Winnipeg society. Conrad followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a businessman. In 1978 he married Shirly Gail Hishon Walters. Since that time he has become one of the most powerful businessmen in Canada.