Obituary of James Gordon Coleman Q.C.
Passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023, at the age of 86.
Gord grew up in Montreal, Chapleau and Toronto. He studied at the University of Toronto, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts (Gold Medallist), 1958 and Bachelor of Laws LLB (Dean’s Key), 1961.
In 1963, he was the seventh lawyer to join Tory Tory DesLauriers & Binnington.
His practice focused on corporate finance and M&A in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, London, Wellington and Auckland. He loved nothing more than jumping on the Concorde to close an international deal.
For relaxation, he loved to travel. His favourite destinations were Deutschland, NYC, San Francisco, Lake Como, the Loire Valley, the Serengeti and the Zambezi.
Gord was a true Renaissance man. He was a polymath, a voracious reader, a devotee of classical music and ballet, a talented pianist, painter, gregarious host and gifted raconteur. Larger than life and brilliant, he was a lover of fine wine and gourmet food.
Gord leaves behind his four children: Rob (the late Beth Howard), Bill (Odette), Mary (Eby Zaccak) and David (Julia Martin) and seven grandchildren: Jack, Abby, Camille, Riley, Georgia, Annette and Clare, all of whom he cherished.
He loved spending time with his family and friends at Chaplain Island on Lake Joseph and at “The Place,” Horseshoe Valley, where he encouraged challenging debates over dinner.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 16th at St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, 50 St. Joseph Street, with a reception to follow at The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto, 25 St. Clair Avenue West, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kristapson’s smoked salmon, Kir Royale and martinis will be served.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Please RSVP and leave condolences at www.humphreymiles.com.
© 2023 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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