Robert Paul Singer has passed away at the age of 93.
A chemical engineer by training, Singer instead pursued an entrepreneurial career in the food industry. In 1949 he joined the Toronto food brokerage E.S. Thomas, which was then run by the father of his wife Dickey (Mary-Susanne). He broadened the scope of the firm to include more finished packaged products for retail as well as expanding into industrial ingredients and foodservice. As the firm grew it was renamed Thomas, Large & Singer (TLS) in 1957, representing a portfolio of manufacturers.
In 1967, Singer further expanded the business through his purchase of Reinhart Vinegars, which he also broadened, adding new product lines. Today Reinhart Foods is Canada’s largest vinegar producer, producing for its own brand as well as many private labels. To further support his growing business, Bob established Emblem Logistics in 1972, building a 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse. Emblem has since grown to 600,000 sq. ft. and continues to service the supply chain needs of TLS clients.
Singer’s two sons Peter and Tom now lead TLS and Reinhart Foods.
Singer was an avid participant in industry organizations, including the Food Brokers Association of Canada, which he led in 1966. He was a member of the board of the Food Industry Association of Canada as well as president of the Vinegar Institute.
Robert Paul Singer is remembered as a gregarious man who built a family culture in the workplace and developed a wide circle of personal friends, whether in Toronto, Lake Simcoe, Naples, Florida, or during his and Dickey’s many international trips. In his spare time he enjoyed curling (their team was a member of the exclusive 8-ender club!), golf, volunteering and travel.
