Dr. Hugh A. Gordon

1942 - 2024

GORDON, Dr. Hugh A.
FCPA, FCA, LL.D.
1942 - 2024

Surrounded by the love of his family, Hugh died peacefully on February 4, 2024.

Predeceased by his parents, William Gilbert Gordon and Helen Hughena Gordon (nee McNairnay) and by his beloved sister, Jean; survived by his best friend and wife of 35 years, Lisa, daughters Victoria (Peter) and Allison (Andrew), stepdaughters Lori and Christy (Ian), grandchildren Brandon, Ava, Riza, Paige, Khonner and former wife Michelle. Also survived by his brother Glen, nephews Don (Marnie) and Scott and their families.

For us, Hugh seemed always slightly ahead of his time. He was the first born of his generation in the Gordon/McNairnay clan cousins so that feeling started early. He embraced new technologies throughout his life. For example, at age 9 he rigged up a buzzer system from the kitchen to his bedroom so he could be called when dinner was ready. In 1981 he purchased the first computer to be used in the KPMG Victoria office and wired it through the ceiling so it would print down the hall on his secretary's typewriter. In 1987 he installed used car window controls to open and close venetian blinds in an east facing master bedroom. In 1999 he was an early purchaser of the new digital marine charts, installed a desktop computer under the driving station on the boat and mounted a separate monitor. He read about physics for fun. He epitomized life-long learning.

Hugh lived life large and with a joyful passion. Our first (and only) boat purchased with the Daniel family in 1986 was 42 feet. Multiple dinghies ensued. When the boat was sold in 2002, it was time to try a cottage in Nanoose. 10 years later it was RV'ing. After one season in a 13 foot trailer, a 42 foot motorhome was purchased forthwith. Then it was on to a second home in Mesa, then to Indian Wells. If you hadn't seen Hugh for awhile, the conversation would invariably include the question "where are you living now?" Over the years Hugh and Lisa became known as serial real estate renovators of their many homes.

Hugh had such an abundance inside that he could not help but share with everyone. Clients, colleagues, friends and even total strangers! It was phenomenal how much he could talk. He was a natural leader and teacher and for fifteen years enjoyed being one of the three instructors at the Income Tax Practice course of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. His examples of 'adventure in the nature of trade' were never to be forgotten.

Hugh attended Royal Roads Military College as a cadet in the 1960's. 35 years later he returned as the first member appointed by the government to the Board of Governors of the new Royal Roads University. He served the new university as Board Chair and Chancellor for the next eight years.

He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Honours Economics and Commerce and attended the University of British Columbia as a graduate student in Economics. He served in the Canadian Army for 12 years including three years in Germany.

Upon leaving the military in 1971 Hugh articled with Thorne Riddell in Calgary and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1974. Specializing in income tax, Hugh became a partner in 1978. He transferred to Victoria in 1979 and was the National Director of Taxation for Thorne Riddell from 1983 to 1985; Chairman of the National Tax Committee of Thorne Ernst & Whinney from 1986 to 1988; and, member of the National Tax Committee of KPMG Peat Marwick Thorne from 1988 to 1993.

Hugh presented papers on income taxation to the Annual Conference of the Canadian Tax Foundation on five occasions from 1981 to 1996.

During his career Hugh acted on behalf of clients and governments applying his abilities to a wide range of issues including as Assistant Chief Negotiator for British Columbia on the Nisga'a Treaty Settlement, reviewing governance on several large provincial projects, negotiation of the initial highways maintenance contracts, development of a fair market value stumpage regime, mining royalties, and he provided extensive consultation to British Columbia related to taxation statutes and tax incentives. From 2005 to 2015 Hugh was a consultant to the Federal Government on fiscal issues for First Nation Treaty negotiations and on funding of First Nation self-government.

Hugh was active in his community and over the years served on many boards including the Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission; Greater Victoria Arts Commission; University of Victoria; British Columbia Railway Company, BC Rail Ltd., and BCR Marine; Victoria Foundation; Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, BC and Yukon Division; Royal Roads University; British Columbia Wine Authority; British Columbia Safety Authority/Technical Safety BC; Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society; and Victoria Hospice.

Hugh was recognized by his peers and admitted as a Fellow of the B.C. Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1995. In 2003 he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in honour of his service to the people of British Columbia and to the Victoria community. Also, in 2003 he was the recipient of the Doctor of Laws Degree, honoris causa from Royal Roads University.

His grandchildren describe him as loving, loyal, witty, supportive, generous, wise, an honourable gentleman but also lighthearted and mischievous, always enjoying their reactions to his antics. Hugh was so very proud of his blended family. He leaves an indelible mark on all of us. We thank him for our life together and we know what we have lost. He loved and was loved truly, madly, deeply.

A private family service will take place. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the
Hugh Gordon Leadership Scholarship at Royal Roads University,
www.royalroads.ca/hugh-gordon-leadership-scholarship
or to a charity close to your heart.

Condolences may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com.