Anyone who covered urban issues for longer than a week inevitably ended up speaking at some point to Warren Gill, an urban geographer and someone who loved the city. In recent years, he had become SFU’s vice-president of university relations.
He was always thoughtful in explaining the way cities work and he actually helped change Vancouver, spearheading SFU’s efforts to establish itself downtown.
I last saw him a year ago at, no surprise, Surrey’s town-planning competition held out at the SFU Surrey campus. In spite of his struggles with cancer, evident in his thinned hair, he was out scanning the dozens of designs that had been submitted and, as usual, happy to talk about how Metro Vancouver is changing.
I am so saddened by this note that I got just now from Gordon Harris, the president of of the SFU Community Trust.
It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know of the passing of our long-serving board member Dr. Warren Gill, Simon Fraser University’s Vice-President of University Relations.
During his six years on the SFU Community Trust board, and his 33 years at Simon Fraser University, Warren worked tirelessly and inspired all of us with his dedication to the university, our community, and especially his work in establishing and expanding SFU’s major presence in downtown Vancouver.
Warren’s commitment to the work of the Trust was immense and with his passing we have all lost a great friend. I know you join me in extending our sympathy to Warren’s wife Shaundehl, his parents, other family members, and his many close friends.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Jackman // Sep 8, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Warren my thoughts are with your family. You will be greatly missed and thank you for your tireless efforts to make our region a better place.
2 Booge // Sep 8, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Warren was a great Urban Geographer and a mean R&B Guitar Player. Our warmest thoughts for his family.
3 Catherine Dawson // Sep 8, 2010 at 5:46 pm
A great teacher, mentor and friend. A huge loss to his family, his friends and the field of urban geography.
4 archie's dad // Sep 8, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I’ll never forget Warren in his silly sailor cap at Geller’s summer lawn parties. Warren, I’ll miss you.
5 michael geller // Sep 8, 2010 at 10:25 pm
While Warren influenced many people through his teachings and media commentaries, two of his greatest accomplishments are SFU Harbour Centre and the School for Contemporary Arts at Woodwards. While he was joined by others in both of these initiatives, he truly was a driving force in making each happen.
And yes, he was a great guitar player in a very popular band that included, amongst others, a local Mayor. The Family Ball will never be the same without him.
Warren, for decades you lived each day as if it was your last. Your memory and accomplishments will live on for many more decades. My thoughts are with Shaundehl and your family and many very close friends. We will miss you.
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