Obituary of Warren Goldring
C. Warren Goldring, LL.D.
Co-Founder and Honorary Chairman of AGF Management Limited
October 21, 1927 - April 14, 2009
A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, C. Warren Goldring passed away on April 14, 2009 in Toronto. He was 81. Warren is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara (nee Dowd), his children, Blake (Belinda), Jane (Paul McCabe), Bryce (Franca) and Judy (Robert Smuk). He is predeceased by Dr. and Mrs. C.C. Goldring, and his daughter Jill. His life was also enriched by 11 grandchildren: Caitlin, Kylie, Megan, Shannon, Ryan, Georgina, Arabella, Serena, Sabrina, Rianna and Raedyn.
Warren was the co-founder, former chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of AGF Management Ltd. Born in Toronto on October 21, 1927, Warren's life was characterized by his dedication to civic leadership and giving back to the community.
A graduate of the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, Warren became one of the founding fathers of the Canadian mutual fund industry through the launch of the American Growth Fund (AGF), the first U.S. equity fund for Canadians. It was a revolutionary step for the investment industry, and through his vision and leadership saw AGF Management Ltd. become one of Canada's premier investment management firms. Warren also authored two books on investing during his successful career.
In 1998, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Investment Awards in recognition of his pioneering work and service to the industry. In 2002, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Ontario Award and the Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1991, he won the esteemed Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. In 2003, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Toronto.
Warren was an ardent supporter of education, the environment and his community. He was the founding director of Operation Dialogue, a charitable organization designed to foster passionate discussion among Canadians about our identity. His keen interest and national issues also led to the sponsorship of the Goldring Chair in Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto, his support of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington and the C. Warren Goldring Annual Lecture of Canada-U.S. Relations. Along with his family, he made significant contributions to support organizations such as the University of Toronto, WWF-Canada and the United Way.
A man of great integrity and values, Warren enjoyed his role as a mentor to friends and family and cherished the time he spent with them. An avid trout fisherman, he took pleasure in his weekend fishing at the Franklin Club. During the winters, he enjoyed escapes with his family to Longboat Key, Florida. Later in life, Warren developed an enthusiastic interest in the game of golf, taking to weekly ventures with friends at the Rosedale Golf Club where he worked tirelessly to 'master' the game. In his final years, Warren divided his time between charitable work, his hobbies and his family.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the medical staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital for their excellent care of Warren.
The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2009. A funeral service will be held at ST. JOHN'S YORK MILLS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 19 Don Ridge Drive at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009.
In Warren's memory, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, or by phone at 416-480-4483. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.