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Arlene GOULD

1946 - 2023

BORN

1946

DIED

2023

Arlene GOULD Obituary

ARLENE GOULD In Toronto, on March 2, 2023, at the age of 76. Survived and lovingly remembered by Robert Cushman, her husband of 48 years; her three children, Chloe (Peter), Anthony and Mitchell (Amy); her grandchild, Sacha; and her brother, Lorne (Penny). Born in Hamilton on March 15, 1946, the oldest child of Ida and Max Gould. After graduating from the University of Toronto, she then moved abroad to Paris and then London. In 1971, one night at the Royal Court Theatre, she asked to borrow the program of the man sitting two seats over. Arlene and Robert were married four years later. Arlene completed her MBA at London Business School, where she discovered her true passion - design, and how it underpins everything about our world. Arlene and Robert's life changed dramatically in 1986, when they had triplets(!), and shortly moved back to Toronto. Over the next thirty-five years, Arlene championed design's essential intersections with sustainability and urban planning. Arlene will be remembered for her remarkable creative drive, sharp sense of humour and, most of all, her boundless devotion to her family. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Blossom Memorial Park.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 4 to Mar. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Arlene GOULD

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9 Entries

Sean Cosgrove

May 1, 2023

Just learning of dear Arlene's passing. Condolences to family and friends, community and country. For a Design Leader to be such a delight was a great blessing. She was a mentor to me at the City of Toronto in various roles. So pleased to promote the design economy with her, lead by her. Why can't the work be fun and life giving like she always was and she lead by that example. I last saw her at the World Design Summit in Montreal. Front and centre, passionate for the need and promise of the design sector. With her peers and moving the agenda. What an impact she made, she was a gift.

Naomi Kriss

March 30, 2023

I met Arlene in the early days of the DesignExchange and found her to be extraordinarily bright, energetic, and generous. I loved how she championed and described the value of good design. Running into her decades later at Lee Garden, I discovered that she and my mother were good friends in university and that they'd found kinship over both English literature and the shock of birthing twins. Toronto is still a village after all. May her memory be a blessing.

Anne Carlyle

March 26, 2023

I feel lucky to have known Arlene through the design community and to have worked with her on opportunities she created through the Design Industry Advisory Committee. Her passion, optimism and warmth were infectious. Her vision of a big world of cross-disciplinary possibility will remain an inspiration to me and to many.

Dr. Rhonda Geraghty, FRSA

March 20, 2023

I am heartbroken to hear of Arlene's passing. She was a selfless mentor to me and has forever impacted my life and career. The effects of her insight, devotion, kindness and leadership will live on forever. RIP Arlene. With love and eternal respect.

Shital Desai

March 20, 2023

I never met Arlene but have known of her work through students and colleagues. She will be missed by many. I pray for the family and the loved ones - Rest In Peace.

Bert Bobrovniczky

March 18, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dr. Louise Sara Diamond

March 13, 2023

I am saddened to learn of Arlene's passing. She was a passionate advocate for the importance of design and its contribution to society. She impacted policy and practices and contributed to the education of generations of designers. She will be missed.

LESLIE MANDELBAUM

March 11, 2023

The design community and Umbra will miss Arlene's support and enthusiasm for design.

Catherine McMenemy, née Roe

March 4, 2023

I remember Arlene fondly from our high school years at Westdale Collegiate in Hamilton, ON. She was, as her obituary notes, very smart with a good sense of humour. Glad to know she had an interesting and fulfilling life.

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Memorial Events
for Arlene GOULD

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