Randolph GHERSON

Randolph GHERSON obituary

Randolph GHERSON

Randolph GHERSON Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from Jul. 2 to Jul. 5, 2014.
GHERSON, Randolph
After a brief battle, Randolph Gherson succumbed peacefully to cancer at the Ottawa Hospital on Saturday, June 28, 2014. His wife of 64 years, Joan (Slater), and daughter Diane and son Giles were at his bedside. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1928, Randolph earned degrees in international relations at the London School of Economics and international law at the Academy of International Law in The Hague. He worked as the International Wheat Board economist in London and Rome before emigrating to Canada with Winnipeg-born Joan and their two children in 1958 to join the federal Department of Trade and Commerce. In a distinguished career capped by the Governor General's Medal for Meritorious Service to Canada, he was appointed as Canada's deputy and acting head of mission to the European Economic Community in Brussels (1968), economic minister-counsellor in Washington (1972), ambassador to the OECD in Paris (1980), Canada's chief air negotiator (1986) and Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation (1991). Known for his keen intellect, unwavering integrity, warm sense of humour and ever-present charm, Randolph lived his life deliberately, richly and well. He will be sorely missed by his family, including granddaughters Nicola and Pippa, grandsons Duncan and James (Barile), son-in-law Doug, and daughter-in-law Heather MacTaggart , as well as his many friends, former colleagues and his comrades at the Rideau Club, where he spent many happy and fulfilling hours over many years. Thanks to the kind medical team at Ottawa Hospital. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held on July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Beechwood National Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON. Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodottawa.ca


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August 4, 2014

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July 10, 2014

Eve Hampson posted to the memorial.

July 6, 2014

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5 Entries

August 4, 2014

Dear Mrs Gherson and family,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Mr Gherson. As others have remarked, he was a consummate gentleman and whenever we met he never failed to ask kindly after my father, with whom he had shared many years at Trade & Commerce. Our family was very touched that you both came to his funeral last December and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with you both at that time.
My thoughts are very much with you and your family at this sad time.

Alison Green
on behalf of the Gerald Green family

Eve Hampson

July 10, 2014

Dear Joan,
Bill and I were both shocked and saddened to learn of Randy's death. We will all miss him in Louise's exercise class and as a faithful member of the Friends of the Print Room. His courtly manners were such a joy to encounter in this age of brashness and often uncouth behaviour .

Bill and I send you and your children our heart felt condolences.

Eve Hampson and Bill Young

July 6, 2014

Joan and Family,

It was a great privilege to have known Randolph in the years I was in Ottawa. I have wonderful memories of the matchless hospitality at your home. As you know well, heraldry and the place of the monarchy in Canadian life were two passions he and I shared. I always looked forward to our lunchtime discussions at the Rideau Club; his ideas and suggestions were challenging and so apt. It was a special delight when he spearheaded the project to develop a coat of arms and badge for the Club. The memories of our work together on that project remain fresh and a highlight of my service as Chief Herald.
My deepest condolences in your great loss. I hope the regard that so many, me included, had for his qualities as a true gentleman and wise public servant and public commentator will give you some comfort in the days ahead.

Joan, you are in my thoughts and prayers,

Robert Watt
Rideau herald Emeritus.

Catherine Strevens-Bourque

July 4, 2014

Mr. Gherson was a consummate gentleman and a lovely man. He will be sorely missed. Please accept my sincere sympathies at this very sad time. God speed home.

Peter Cameron

July 2, 2014

It was an honour to know Randolph. Lynn and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Joan and her family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

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Sign Randolph GHERSON's Guest Book

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August 4, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 10, 2014

Eve Hampson posted to the memorial.

July 6, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.