Hugh Phelps Gunz

1945 - 2024

HUGH PHELPS GUNZ 1945 - 2024 With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Hugh Gunz on January 18, 2024. He was many things to many people: professor, teacher, mentor, administrator, partner to his wife, and adored dad and grandpa. Born in England, he grew up in New Zealand before returning to the UK for his graduate work. He earned two PhDs, and after a spell in the chemical industry, spent the rest of his career in academia. He first worked at Manchester Business School, and then at The University of Toronto (U of T) Rotman School of Management, and University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Department of Management from 1989 until retirement. He was a leading scholar in career studies. He served the University in various administrative capacities and took leadership in developing new academic programs, including the Institute for Management & Innovation at UTM, where he served as inaugural director. After retirement, he was never far from the phone to support his friends and colleagues and he continued his administrative leadership on the Board of the U of T Senior's College. He was a warm and gifted friend and mentor. He was always ready to engage with, and participate in, the community. He was curious about others and had an open-door policy in his work and home-life; ready and willing at any hour to lend an ear, give sage advice and provide support. The evolution and achievements of his students, colleagues, friends and family in their lives and careers brought him great joy. Above all, his role as a husband, father and grandfather was the centre of his life, and his passing leaves a great hole. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Badley; his three children and their spouses, Alex and Karen, Nick and Julie, Anna and Jason; and five grandchildren, Ben, Samantha, Kate, Joseph and Amalia. He will forever be remembered for his compassion, patience, sense of humour and incredible storytime reading performances. The family welcomes anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Hugh at a Celebration of Life on Monday, February 5th at 1:30 p.m. at the Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks St., U of T. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donation be made in Hugh's memory to Nature Canada or the Red Cross.