Hugh Allan Rorison was born on Dec. 4, 1936 in the prairie town of Moose Jaw, SK. The youngest of four, he was taught the value of hard work, responsibility, loyalty, humour and family. In his late teens, Hugh moved with his mother and sister to Vancouver to begin a new chapter that would see him achieve a B.Comm from the University of British Columbia, and introduce him to the woman who would become his beloved wife, Yvonne. Together they embarked on a cross-country adventure that took them from Calgary to Regina and, finally, settling in Toronto.
During that time, Hugh created a successful career in finance while he and Yvonne increased their family size from two to five. In 1979, the family was dealt a devastating blow with the death of Hugh and Yvonne’s only son, Sean. Through the pain of his grief, he took a leap of faith and, with an iron will and an innovative idea, he started his own company that would grow to employ dozens of people.
Penfund was built on his extraordinary people skills, intelligence, and strong ethical standards. In 1998, Hugh sold the business and he and Yvonne retired to Victoria giving him more time for golf, friends, travel and family.
Hugh Rorison died on the evening of Feb. 1, 2022 after a six-year struggle with dementia. His beloved wife Yvonne (Eldridge), his daughters Christine Sutherland (Rorison) and Trish Rorison and his granddaughters Megan and Sarah Sutherland will miss his wit, wisdom, smile and unflagging devotion to those he loved. Anyone who met Hugh liked him. Along with his warmth, he was quick to laugh, listened intently, and had an easy way with just about anyone from strangers to personal and business friends. Hugh made people feel as though they mattered and because of that, everyone loved him. He made connections with parking lot attendants, grocery store clerks and captains of industry. Each person was treated the same – with kindness and respect. His many friends and acquaintances at his golf clubs in Ontario (Beacon Hall) and Victoria (Victoria Golf Club) knew this well. Hugh and Yvonne created a family made of love and Hugh, himself, set an example of commitment, graciousness and loyalty among many other wonderful traits including spectacular bear hugs and the ability to generate a nick name for just about anyone and anything. Hugh was truly one of the good guys and the world is left a better place for his time in it.
“At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
In lieu of cards and flowers, donations in Hugh’s name can be made to those that took such good care of him at Broadmead Care – Veterans Memorial Lodge www.broadmeadcare.com/get-involved/ways-to-donate
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Karen Ferguson
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Cathy Knowles, Jack, Jackie and Lisa Riddell Dear Yvonne, Christine and Trish – Your tribute to Hugh was lovely. The part that describes Hugh’s warmth and quick wit brought back memories of Hugh’s smile while chuckling about some witty comment he had doled out….just waiting for the penny to drop! Oh those memories are strong.
Yvonne, some years back we tried to contact you for a chat but the number Mom had in her book was no longer in service so that was the end of that. Mom always said that she was worried that if she spoke to you, Hugh’s health might not be optimal.
Mom is gone now (almost 3 years ago) and she too, suffered from dementia, her biggest fear. My heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve the second loss of your beloved husband and father. With dementia, the first loss can feel even worse than the eventual passing.
Hugh was a wonderful person who left those who were fortunate enough to meet him, however briefly, to want to hold his spirit in a special part of their heart. I know Mom had that very feeling.
With that sentiment in mind, I want to pass along our deepest family condolences and let you know that we are thinking of you and the garden that you and Hugh created while he was on earth-Hugh’s spirit lives on, his body is gone….
With lots of love and deepest sympathy, know our hearts are with you, Cathy Knowles, Jack and Lisa Riddell
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George Fowlie I was saddened to read that Hugh had passed away in the Globe & Mail this weekend. I worked with Hugh back in the ‘70’s and continued to stay in touch and follow his progress as he built Penfund. He was truly an under appreciated visionary as he created a new approach to sourcing and managing corporate debt financings, and along the way launched many careers in finance.That sector has since grown dramatically and is measured in the billions today! Equally important were the business people that he financed, who traditional bankers avoided. They rewarded Hugh’s belief in them by creating numerous great companies. All of us on this page and many more, have benefitted from the pleasure of knowing him and his laugh and his smile.
Hugh was indeed “One of the Good Guys”
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Andrew Calder My sincere condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man. I’ll always remember Christmas dinners together and Hugh’s warm laugh.
Much Love,
Andrew Calder
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Alex Calder and Family Yvonne, Trish and Chrisy,
Our sincerest condolences to all of you on Hugh’s passing.
The xmas visits with your family and the Lee’s were always highlights on the calendar and Hugh was a big part of that. I will always remember how welcoming he was when we visited and being impressed with the many interests he had, including military history.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Ontario.
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Marge Knebel Dear Yvonne, Trish and Chris,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy as you grieve Hugh’s passing.
He was a significant teacher, mentor and friend who gave me responsibilities and opportunities that far exceeded what most women experienced in the 70s and 80s. He launched my career and I am truly grateful. I wish you deep peace.
Marge
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Warren Robertson Hugh was a wonderful man. I knew him from the Golf club and he was always friendly and encouraging to me and his fellow golfers. He will be missed . Condolences to his family.
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Debbie & Craig Nowakowski We will remember happy times shared and the warm friendly way about Hugh. Our deepest condolences to the Rorisons.
Debbie and Craig
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Brian Lynch I got to know Hugh well as my pension fund employer was a large and active investor in Penfund. I recall he had a passion for the business, a good sense of humour and that he actively listened to what you were saying. While we didn’t always agree on things, I appreciated his goodwill and trusted in his fundamental integrity. I was glad to hear he was deservedly able to enjoy his post-Penfund years; my sincere condolences to his family.
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john cernik The fund I worked for was a big supporter and investor in Penfund with Hugh .
A great guy-I learned a lot from him and his staff
One of his sayings to me was always “don’t cha worry ”
John Cernik
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Karen Galt Hugh gave me my first office job. He was kind, funny, and a great boss. It was obvious to us at Penfund how much he loved his family. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
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Jim Gilmour Hugh was predeceased by one week by his loving sister Roberta. She was always so very proud of him.
Now they are reunited.
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Lorne Gilmour The tribute above captures his character perfectly. I’m going to miss my uncle Hugh.
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Susan Downs I was very sad to hear of Hugh’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in years, but we spent so many years working together and I thought of him often. I loved my days at Penfund and often thought I’d still be there if Hugh were still there. He had the best laugh so I loved making him laugh. He was a very generous and thoughtful man who adored his family. I know he will be truly missed by all who knew him. My condolences to all who loved Hugh.
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derrick rolfe Yvonne, Trish and Christine,
I am saddened to hear of Hugh’s passing, but take solace knowing that he has many years to enjoy his retirement after founding and building Penfund. While I was his partner at Penfund, I always knew Hugh had his priorities in order, having had his primary focus on family and those close to him.
We shared a lot of time together at Penfund and on the golf course, so I got to understand that building a career and successful private equity firm was important, but it was a means to an end. The end was simply to provide for his family and employees.
Hugh weathered a the loss of a child and health issues with dignity and strength. At the end of the day, I believe Hugh has overcome these trials and lived an authentic life.
I will always remember Hugh’s engaging smile and that twinkle in his eye. So farewell Hugh, your will be forever remembered and your presence felt.
Derrick Rolfe
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gene Wolski I have thought of Hugh regularly since my days at Penfund, and shall continue to do so. He provided me with a great career opportunity and a wonderful day to day work/life experience. I also recall fondly of his many generous invitations to join him for golf. A truly wonderful man.
Dear Yvonne, Trish, and Christine,
My thoughts are with you. Hugh’s passing has brought up many childhood memories of your close and loving family.
All my love,
Karen Ferguson