James Gordon WRIGHT

OBITUARY JAMES GORDON WRIGHT Jim passed away in a tragic accident at Lac des Iles, Entrelacs, on Saturday September 1, 2007 at the age of sixty-four. Loving husband to his best friend Nancy, he is dearly missed by his son David, daughters Kathleen and Melanie, brother George (Carol), sister Mary Wemp (Ross), and brother-in-law David McEntyre (Tassy). Born in Vancouver to Isabelle and James A. Wright, Jim was educated at Upper Canada College (1961), McGill University (1965) and Universite Laval (1968). In 1975, Jim married the love of his life, Nancy McEntyre, beginning a beautiful partnership providing mutual strength and joy to their lives. Jim practiced law with an emphasis on commercial real estate as a member of Martineau Walker for 30 years, including two years on secondment to the Foreign Investment Review Agency as deputy director of the Compliance Branch. In 1999, Jim redirected his efforts, becoming the executive director of EPOC Montreal, an organization offering job training to disadvantaged youth. In 2003 he was appointed director of the Sauve Scholars Foundation, providing study fellowships at McGill University to young leaders from around the world. Jim dearly appreciated his time with the Sauve scholars, always revelling in their extraordinary accomplishments. Jim was a pillar among many communities. At McGill University, he was an active member (and president) of the McGill Alumni Association and president of the University Club. He served on the Board of Governors of McGill University from 1997 to 2006, and was recently named Governor Emeritus (2007). In his home city of Westmount, Jim served as president of the Westmount Municipal Association, later elected as City Councillor from 1991-1999. Jim was appointed by the Government of Finland as Honourary Consul of Finland at Montreal from 1993 to 1999. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Lac des Iles was Jim's favourite place to spend time with his family (both immediate and ever-extending) and his wonderful friends. He was passionate about the lake, serving as chair of the Wexford Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the ecology of Lac des Iles. A private funeral will be held and a public memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the James G. Wright Memorial Bursary and Scholarship Fund. Donations should be made payable to the Sauve Scholars Foundation (for the J.G.W. Fund), c/o Sauve Scholars Foundation, The James Wright Fund, 1514 Avenue Dr. Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1B9. Published in the Montreal Gazette on 9/8/2007