RRU Remembers: Tribute to first-ever Chancellor Dr. Hugh Gordon

It is with heavy hearts that the Royal Roads community acknowledges the passing of Hugh Gordon, the university’s first chancellor. 

Gordon was also the first person appointed to the RRU Board of Governors, where he chaired the board from Royal Roads University’s inception in July 1995 until his retirement in September 2003. Gordon was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university in Fall 2003. 

Gordon’s connection with Royal Roads was lifelong. He was a graduate of Royal Roads Military College, the university’s predecessor. He began his career in 1965 as an officer in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals.   

Royal Roads President and Vice-Chancellor Philip Steenkamp says that Gordon’s forward thinking could always be counted on to guide the university toward innovation.  

“A visionary of his time, Hugh fostered a university that embraced a first-of-its-kind learning model that aligned with BC’s labour market. With his guidance as first Chancellor and Chair of RRU’s Board of Governors, and his generosity as a donor, Hugh inspired and empowered us to think boldly, thus positioning RRU to become Canada’s university for changemakers.” 

From 1971 to 1974 Gordon articled as a student in chartered accountancy in Calgary with a predecessor firm to KPMG. He became a partner with KPMG in 1978 and later transferred to Victoria, Toronto and then Vancouver. For three years Gordon was national director of taxation for what is now known as KPMG. He consulted for the Government of British Columbia on matters involving policy, taxation and land claims. His work included serving as the Assistant Chief Negotiator for the province of British Columbia during the historic Nisga’a land claim and self-government negotiations. 
 
Gordon chaired the Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission from 1991 to 1994; he was a member of the Greater Victoria Arts Commission from 1990 to 1995; and was a member of the University of Victoria Board of Governors. He was also a director of the Victoria Foundation and served as Vice President of the B.C. and Yukon Division of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Canada. Gordon was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003 in acknowledgement of his years of service to the people of B.C. and to the Victoria community. 

The flag on Hatley Castle will be flown at half-mast on Saturday, February 10, 2024 in Gordon’s honour. A private family service will be held; in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation online to the Hugh Gordon Leadership Scholarship or call 1-866-207-0080 to donate by phone.