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
16 Responses
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.
We will remember happy times shared and the warm friendly way about Hugh. Our deepest condolences to the Rorisons.
Debbie and Craig
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.
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
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.
Hugh was predeceased by one week by his loving sister Roberta. She was always so very proud of him.
Now they are reunited.
The tribute above captures his character perfectly. I’m going to miss my uncle Hugh.
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.
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
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.