The co-founder of McCain Foods, Wallace McCain, died on Saturday aged 81.

Mr McCain's corporate legacy is told in the annals of two Canadian food giants, reported the Financial Post.

The first, McCain Foods Ltd., he created with his older brother Harrison before a family rift ruptured into an epic corporate feud and court battle. Forced out of the company he helped establish almost four decades earlier, Wallace pulled his roots from New Brunswick and started fresh in Toronto, where he promptly orchestrated a takeover of Maple Leaf Foods.

"Wallace made an indelible impact on Maple Leaf Foods, our country and the food industry globally," said Purdy Crawford, lead director of the Maple Leaf Foods board of directors, in a statement.

"He had a rare gift for business that was driven by his personal courage, love of people, and sharp insights. His incredible accomplishments came about because of his perseverance, humility and belief in others. Wallace's efforts to support his community, and those less fortunate, were tireless. He was an extraordinary man, with a huge heart, and we will miss him profoundly."