In memoriam: Michael Caplan, Task Tools

DELTA, B.C. — Task Tools founder Michael Caplan died Tuesday night, survived by his wife Bearl, son Craig, daughter Hilary, and four grandchildren. Born in Hull, England, in 1931, Caplan arrived in Canada in 1955 and worked as a pilot and radio operator in the Northwest Territories. He married Bearl in 1962 and returned to England with her to take a management position there. Their two children were born during their five-year stay and the family returned together in 1968. That year, Caplan bought a small company from his father-in-law that would become Task Tools. He was still working full-time in 2007 when he was inducted at the age of 76 into the Industry Hall of Fame of the Canadian Hardware & Housewares Manufacturers Association. He retired as chairman of Task Tools the following year.