KEVIN PHILIP GOLDING

(1957-2025) It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Kevin Philip Golding on January 31, 2025, at Guelph General Hospital at the age of 67, as a result of complications from ALK-Positive non-small cell lung cancer. Kevin left in peace, surrounded by immediate family. Kevin was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. He will be missed greatly by all whose lives he touched. He was born on June 3, 1957 in Oakville, Ontario as the second of four children to Phil and Christina Golding. He attended Lord Elgin High School in Burlington and later graduated from McMaster University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. On September 6, 1980, he married the love of his life, Leigh Izzillo as they embarked on a remarkable 44-year marriage. Together they raised three children and later welcomed six grandchildren. Kevin's tireless work ethic, loyalty and business acumen served him very well during a 34-year career with Maple Leaf Foods. Kevin began as a cost accountant at the Canada Packers plant in Toronto in 1980. After holding various positions throughout Ontario and Western Canada in the company's poultry department, he shifted to Agri-business in 2000. During this time, he served concurrently as President of Rothsay and Maple Leaf AgriFarms. After retirement in 2014, Kevin opened KPLG Advisory Services. Using his managerial and operational experience, he consulted individuals and corporations, most notably West Coast Reduction Limited. He served on the Board of Directors at BIOX Corporation (2015-2017), Danby Products Limited (2020-2025) and Cutten Fields (2021-2025). Kevin was proud of his involvement with the University of Guelph. He served on the University's Board of Governors from 2008-2019 and remained involved with the board until the time of his death. In 2021, he established the 'Kevin & Leigh Golding and Family Bursary in Support of Black Student Scholars', demonstrating values of community and generosity that permeated his personal and professional life. Kevin's passions were family, friends, golf, hockey, music and spending time on the dock at the family cottage near Minden, ON. His beloved grandchildren will fondly remember summers at the cottage with Grandpa's snacks, ice cream cones and mastery of the firepit. His summer playlist will live on at the lake for years to come. Family pets past and present were lucky to have Kevin's doting attention. Family and friends will miss seeing Kevin on the golf course or practicing on the putting green at Cutten Fields, where he and his family enjoyed time together for generations. Kevin is survived by his mother, Christina Golding (Apps); his wife, Leigh Golding (Izzillo); his adoring mother-in-law, Barbara Izzillo; his children, Angela Popofski (Michael), Philip Golding (Nicole) and Jacqueline Golding (Deondre Jacobs); his brothers, Paul Golding and Chris Golding and his sister, Kim Moffit. He is lovingly remembered by six grandchildren, Olivia, Grace and Violet Popofski, and Nora, Jordan and Charlotte Golding. He will be missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and so many dear friends. Predeceased by his father, Herbert Philip (Phil) Golding (2003) and lifelong friend, Mark Parkinson (2010). A private graveside ceremony will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. There will be a public memorial gathering held at the University of Guelph on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Waasamowin (Atrium) at the Summerlee Science Complex. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation of the Guelph General Hospital. His family would like to thank Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Graham, Dr. Gregoire and all of the nurses that cared for Kevin so lovingly during his final days; Dr. Mithoowani and Dr. Dhaliwal at London Health Sciences, whose communication and support were instrumental during Kevin's fight. Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, Ontario.