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Condolences
Dear Edna and John
Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Robin Beddis
George was truly a remarkable person and his loss will be felt by his family, friends, and the many people he helped via charity work. I wish the Gosbee family the best during these hard time. George will be missed.
Dear Karen, John, Carter, and Isla,
We didn’t know George but we certainly knew of him! We know that over and above all of his many, many accolades, for you, he was a husband and father and that is one of the greatest losses any of us can have. I lost my father in mid life and it was like nothing I had ever experienced – I can’t imagine what it is like for all you at such young ages. Although these words seem so inadequate, we are so, so sorry! We were in the US at a university audition the day of his funeral. We have all been thinking about each of you.
Namaste
Melody, Ian, Morgan, and Keelan
I am sorry it was not possible to be in Calgary for the celebration of George’s life. There have been many beautiful press articles, tweets, posts and condolences here it inspired me to reflect on the many positive memories and experiences for which I am grateful to George. He was my first ‘boss’, a mentor and a friend.
Since hearing of George’s passing, I have spoken to many Tristone alum in the UK especially – and there is a unanimous feeling of tremendous gratitude for George and the opportunities his visionary leadership created for us all.
Apologies for the length of this…but it seemed the right forum to share with George’s family, friends and co-workers. I would love to read other stories from Tristone alumni and others.
On my first day at Tristone (being my first real job)…I was keen to make an impression, I arrived early so was let into Investment Banking by Compliance. George arrived shortly after and came straight to my desk greeting me with “welcome, you are early, good start”, he shook my hand and I introduced myself. He walked on but didn’t formally introduce himself so I asked his name – “George Gosbee” he replied and smiled. Having just walked into the office past the countless articles where he was featured in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Calgary Herald, etc – I should have known. Oops.
Three weeks into the job was the annual Tristone heli-ski trip. With a late dropout George asked if I would fill in. Why not? George owned the resort. “Wow!! Of course.” Cliff coached me aside and explained it was no small expense, especially on an analyst salary. However, I was now committed. I recall the first night boasts led by Brad H. on his skiing ability. No one challenged him. Being a “few” glasses of wine in (which tasted infinitely better than the $5 bottles (or worse, sherry!) I was drinking at University only three weeks prior) – I was emboldened and accepted Brad’s challenge. George recognizing Brad’s ability…and my brazen stupidity… decided to split our groups on the slopes. On the final run the groups converged and had a couple jumps to settle the score. When I stuck a backflip, George’s high 5 nearly broke my hand! What a trip…Then the heli-ski bill. Ouch. Then a couple weeks later the wine bill followed. Ouch. It was really sobering! And I learned some valuable lessons on that trip – including George’s fine taste for wine. Fortunately Kathy helped arrange a payment plan on the bill!
George took an interest in developing young talent at the firm. I remember early on George calling me into his office and handing me several books on the oil & gas industry – “Here, read these. To be successful in this business you need to develop sector knowledge and expertise”. He requested going forward that I print all the daily IHS Herold reports for him. At first, I thought it was a rather mundane task – then the next day I dropped the reports off and he asked if “I saw anything of particular interest?” – I hadn’t read the reports, but then realized it was an opportunity to learn and discuss key industry developments with him. I read them ever since.
George had a vision to integrate Oil & Gas industry and financial professionals in a new breed of investment bank to truly understand their clients business. It was a model perfected at Tristone with the A&D group led by Ian V. and Miles R.. We landed a billion dollar divestiture with Nexen, Profico, then Anadarko’s $10bn global asset divestiture, sale of BG’s Canadian assets, Conoco, etc. etc. Another seemingly mundane task was updating our credentials, the website and Bloomberg with our M&A deal activity. In our credentials we had a page we referred to internally as the ‘table of lies’ where we twisted statistics to put Tristone at #1 – given the firms success we started dropping the many footnotes explaining those manipulations…as it was becoming easier to show Tristone at the top. I then remember printing Bloomberg’s M&A league table in late 2006: Tristone was #1 in Canada…both in number of deals and value – ahead of RBC, Scotia, TD, Goldman…everyone. It was a great memory seeing George smile with that league table in his hands.
Our Investment Banking team was working 16-hour days, even weekends – he was grateful and wanted to thank us. I remember walking down Stephen Avenue – George smiling proudly, hands clasped behind him, striding along with Gurdeep and the associates and analysts at the time (Josh W, Tyson B, Sheldon M, Cliff J.) beside him. Leading us for a white tablecloth lunch at Teatro. Wow, I thought – having ate dinner the last month out of an Earl’s cardboard box with plastic cutlery. The fresh air, stretch of the legs and a real lunch hour was amazing. George’s sincere gratitude for our efforts and the insights he shared were invaluable.
George offered to join a small group including Tom E., Brad H., Doug S., Andrew A. on a hike up Mount Temple. We drove up to Banff together – talking about business, family, adventure. He mentioned there were Grizzly bears in the mountains we would be hiking. I recall preparing our kit for the next day’s hike and he suggested we probably didn’t need the bear spray. I insisted. When we drove to the base at 6am – he told me Ebbern was going to kick my butt up the Mountain, which he did, despite my best efforts! It was an amazing hike and beautiful memory standing atop Temple all together. I remember George dropping a newspaper on my desk on the following Monday morning – saying, “OK, maybe the bear spray was the right call”. Some poor guy had his arm mauled, on the same trail, the day AFTER we completed our hike and narrowly escaped death by freeing his other hand to spray the bear!
When the Federal Government implemented changes to the Royalty Trust structure, George immediately saw an emerging opportunity for junior companies to consolidate and grow to be larger independents. Our team put together a “New World Order” market update and he visited clients with Arun C. and others to showcase our unique and optimistic predictions amidst the prevailing pessimism and uncertainty. The glass always seemed to be half full with George.
Then the Alberta Royalty review in 2007, George never shied from the spotlight and catalyzed the entire industry with press conferences and proudly presented findings of the firms best in class analysis led by Chris T. to benchmark Alberta’s fiscal terms and play types with global comparable – all to support a the government taking a more measured approach to compete effectively for capital globally. He was also quick to recognise contributions from young professionals – such as when Laura L. showed leadership in bringing the analysis together; she was quickly encouraged to lead other initiatives.
A few other Tristone memories stand out…
When approx. 50 Tristone employees showed up to sandbag the Gosbee home to divert the flows of the rising Elbow River. And then unfortunately when the ground and main level flooded, the subsequent clean out. George remained positive…the Gosbee’s would bounce back, they always did.
When he opened the office in London, recruiting a high caliber team. He encouraged me to move across from Calgary which has provided a wonderful professional and personal opportunity.
The Paris Energie 08 Conference, which brought the most prominent Oil & Gas industry executives across sub-sectors around the World and put Tristone in a different class from its competitors. George didn’t do average.
And it goes on…stories that so many others could also share.
George certainly deserved to be happy and healthy. God bless him and I wish him Peace. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family – and hope they might find comfort in George having positively influenced and inspired so many lives, around the World.
With Love and Sincere Gratitude,
Derek (& Lara) Smith
To dear Karen, John, Carter and Isla,
I am so very sorry for your loss. George was always such a tour de force that I can only imagine the void he leaves behind. We have fond memories of spending time with you all, many years ago–when all our kids were small and all of our hopes were big. It was a wonderful time to know you all, and you have forever remained in our hearts. I send you love and strength as you weave through this difficult journey, and I pray for peace for George.
With much love,
Vicky, James, Will, Hamish and Finley Ballantyne
xxx
Karen and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Diana Horsman Nakka
Toronto, ON
George was a truly extra-ordinary human being who lived life to its fullest. I am proud to have known him and called him my friend. He continues to inspire and is admired in so many ways by those of us he touched. When I think of George this well-known poem comes to mind:
“Success”
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived –
this is to have succeeded.
Karen, Isla, John, and Carter, my words fall short of expressing the magnitude of your loss. My deepest condolences to you and all who were touched by him, a presence has been removed from this world too soon. His influence, welcoming spirit, and laughter will survive in our hearts.
Cyndi
My deepest condolences to you Karen and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
I had the pleasure of starting my career at Tristone as an analyst with the IB group in 2007 and worked with George until the sale to Macquarie in 2009. From day one I remember the spirit, the drive, the motivation from George and the way he connected with everyone in the office. He always had an open door policy and he was very interested in ensuring the next wave of young staff would reach their greatest potential. He always knew how to make you feel important, even in a big organization that could be moving so fast. I remembering really connecting with George after he learned that I also grew up in Varsity. I don’t think that really made a difference, but he always knew how to find common interests and likes with someone to start building a relationship with. I have dozen on fond memories and experiences with George over the years and he will truly be missed by so many. His kindness, passion, and sense of community will be hard to replace.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you today as we are unable to attend his celebration of life.
Allan
Dear Edna and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, George.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O lord.
May he rest in peace.
With prayers and sympathy,
Rosalyn Martin
Karen, John, Carter & Isla,
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I pray that you find strength in each other and the many people around you who will support and comfort you.
Sending you so much love,
Caitlin O’Hara
Dear Karen, John, Carter, and Isla,
I wanted to reach out and send my support and sympathies to all of you. I have a special memory of your dad, a long time ago, taking the time to help me write my Dragon’s Den pitch, me who knew nothing about business, and he this master of the pitch, taught me a lot. I was so proud of all of you today at the funeral, John your words and message touched a lot of people.
Lara MacNeil
My deepest condolences to the entire Gosbee family for such a tragic loss of a truly special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorenzo Donadeo
My deepest condolences to the family. The spirit, tenacity and fearless commitment that George pursued life is only surpassed by the love of his family that fueled him. There was never a call or visit that didn’t start with Isla’s latest conquest, Carter’s last goal or John’s next accomplishment. Karen- your strength as the foundation of your beautiful family is an inspiration. George’s friendship and mentorship has been a major influence on me. He’s pushed me to be better, do better and reach higher. I looked up to him, depended on his friendship and acted on his sage advice. I will miss him. On behalf of our family, I extend our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Avik, Farnoush, Naya and Zarek
Karen and family,
We are so saddened to hear of George’s passing. I remember our graduation day at Sir Winston Churchill and handing our principle a marble when it was time to accept my diploma. That was George’s idea.. You are in our hearts.
John, Edna and all the family,
Our deepest sympathy on George’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
My heartfelt condolences to Karen and her family. Thinking of you and sending you love
Dear Gosbee family,
Deepest condolences for your loss. While I did not know George well, the short amount of time I spent with him will always be remembered very fondly. Wishing you all strength in the difficult days ahead.
Warm Regards,
Geoff Phipps
Dear Karen, John, Carter and Isla,
Your family is in our thoughts and our prayers, we have sent an angel to watch over you and bring comfort on the road ahead.
God Bless you all
Jeff, Jan, Evan and Emerson Pugh
So very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you all and wishing you peace in the days ahead.
Andy, Sue, Maddie and Liv Runquist
We are deeply saddened by George’s passing. He was a great visionary and leader, but more than anything he was a friend and confidante. To the Gosbee family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Karen,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and father to your beautiful children. Our hearts are full of sorrow for you all. May you all find peace, acceptance and love. Our deepest condolences.
Nancy, Sierra and Ella
To the Gosbee Family,
We wanted to express our sincere condolences and sympathies to you and everyone in your family.
We wish you all the best and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Kryczka Family
Sarah, Mike, Emily, Jacob and Joshua.
Dear John and Edna,
We are so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With our deepest condolences to you and your family,
Ben and Vivian Herman
We are sorry to hear about the sudden passing of George. Can’t imagine how difficult this is for the Gosbee family, friends & colleagues… Incredible loss!
With deepest sympathy, the Palmer Family / Calgary
Sincere condolences to you, Karen and your family. May God always continue extend bless to George, to you and your family. Always in your thoughts.
It was with great sadness that we learned of George’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Dear Karen,
So sorry for your sudden loss. Michelle and I had the pleasure of meeting you both while working on a new house project for you… and only have good memories.
Our thoughts are with you and your kids.
Marc-André Bovet and Michelle Tremblay
Dear Edna and family,
So very very sorry to hear of your loss of George. I am thinking of you and your family Edna. Freida is away in Toronto right now but I will let her know when she comes home next week. Hugs – Fern
Karen, John, Carter, and Isla: Ali in particular wanted me to reach out and offer our support, love and prayers to you all at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Dear Edna and John, I am so very sorry to hear of your son’s death. Sending you my condolences as you deal with your loss. Please take care, Warm wishes, Ineke Boudewijn
George and his family have shown myself and my family so much love and compassion words can never say. Upon my return to work after a bout with depression myself his wife Karen was one of the first I shared my story with. They (George and Karen) took me to dinner, offered me their box at the Dome for the Juno’s and offered so much advice. Just 2 weeks George sent me a text “you need a Wikipedia page” “I can Help” , then proceeded to tell me “Congratulations on all your big fashion show fundraisers Kel, I’m proud of you” and asked to be included in any event I was involved in because he wanted to support me. He was so proud of his daughter Isla whom I represent as an international model and was always willing to do anything it took to help her achieve her dream. The Gosbees are my family / #modefam forever. I love you Karen, John, Carter and Isla! I will cherish my memories of George forever and never delete our ongoing texts on my phone. I LOVE YOU and THANK YOU GEORGE R.I.P.
To the entire Gosbee family, my condolences go out to you. The investment community has lost a remarkable force, but you have lost a husband, father, brother and son. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I had the honor and joy of working for George while I was CFO at AltaCorp between 2013 and 2015. He truly was a remarkable business man and I still remember the way people were drawn to him when he walked into a room. Everyone wanted to hear what he had to say. He had so much charisma and presence. I am only speculating given the few comments that are out in the public, but I lost my dad when I was 6 to suicide. It’s difficult for the family left behind and I know it will take time, but I hope one day you all can find some peace. Time does heal, it just takes time. George touched so many people’s lives in the short time he was here. He will be remembered by so many. My heart goes out to you all.
Dear John and Edna. We are in Maui where we heard your tragic news. Our whole family is so saddened. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and extend it to the rest of your family. Sincerely, Brian and Rita Boyd.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Edna & John we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Raj and Dinesh
George introduced me to Canada as a young salesman and remained as a great friend and money maker in spite of his many worldly successes. We will miss him in NY and am sure that his soul will rest in peace and happiness. Love George.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of George. My thoughts are with all of you during this most difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
I cannot express how we feel about George’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences and our profound good thoughts for all of you. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Rosemary and Ken
Karen and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of George passing away and have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that memories of happy times with your husband and dad can provide comfort in the days to come. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Lesley Stang
I first met George “Gos” Gosbee after he finished his purchase of the Arizona Coyotes. He offered my sister and I tickets to sit in the owner suite with him at a game. He not only showed us kindness that night, but every night after. He wasn’t just an owner to us, but a friend. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Dear John, Isla and the Gosbee Family,
Thinking about you and sending warm thoughts your way. Your dad must have been an incredible man for raising such beautiful, wonderful, kind and strong children. Lots of love to you and your family,
Miss. Hoogveld
On behalf of myself, my family, Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings Ltd., and our Chief’s Council, I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family of George on the tragic loss of a wonderful person and a great Canadian.
George,
Thank you for affording our son experiences and memories that we could never give. These memories will be cherished forever.
Thank you for loving him like your own, for your guidance and support. You will live on as such a positive mentor for him. You will always have a special place in our hearts for your compassion and kindness.
Our deepest condolences,
The Kulynych Family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and I will be thinking of you at this time. the world has stopped to honor a great man and I hope that you take some comfort from the many tributes that will be paid to him. May your fond memories and the caring support of family and friends help you to journey through this sad time.
With deepest sympathy, your old tutor Paul Downes
To The Gosbee Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of George. He was someone I knew in University, and though more than 25 years has gone by, this is not news you wish to hear. My heartfelt condolences to you all during this especially difficult time, and my hope is to continue spreading the word about depression and mental illness to help anyone else suffering.
Regards,
Maryn Milazzo
I first met George in the fall of 2005. I had made a documentary about the oil sands, and George loved the film so much that he took me and the film on a five city tour to show to investors.
A few years later he came on to support my next project on the future of energy, working to help raise support and funds. Although the project failed to launch, I will never forget George’s generosity and kindness to me, and for believing in me and the story I wanted to tell.
I too have dealt with depression in my life. It is not an easy journey, and as man we often don’t feel we can reach out to others, or admit the struggles we are facing. I don’t know what led to George’s decision, but I what I take from his passing is a reminder to that I need to be present, to be congruent, and strive towards authenticity and to be vulnerable with those around me.
To George’s family – my memory of him is of a man of great intelligence, and a kind and warm spirit. He was clearly loved and respected by so many people, and he gave back to his community in so many ways. His legacy is complex, and for those who were lucky enough to know him, his presence has been a gift, wrapped in human imperfections. Perhaps unintentionally, his final act is an important reminder of how fragile the human spirit can be, even for those who we see as being strong, being leaders, or as having it all together.
With love, respect, gratitude and sadness.
Matt Palmer
John,Edna and family
We were very saddened to learn of George’s passing. Our best thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family.
Our sincere condolences
Gord and Bev Tallman
Dear John and Edna,
It was so very sad to hear of George’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
Gail Gorman
On behalf of RBC Insurance and myself his servicing Life Insurance Advisor in Calgary would like to offer our sincere condolences to his immediate and extended families on the sudden passing of their loved one. May you find Peace and comfort in the good memories that you share together and for a life well lived. Rest in peace George.
Karen and Gosbee Family – My deepest sympathies; as one who lives using words, I am without them at the moment. Our thoughts are with you. Lance Carlson and Thom Greving
Paige and I wish to send are heart-felt condolences to Karen and the children. I had the great fortune on knowing George over the past 25 years and consider myself a grateful and fortunate person for having done so. He will be sorely missed.
Our love to you all,
Paige and Tyler Davis
Thinking of you all and sending love.
The Austins
Michele, Jemma, Dale, Sophie and Ava
Ottawa
Karen, John, Carter, and Isla,
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. My heart goes out to your family and I hope that you find strength in each other and the community that supports you. Please know that we are thinking of all of you and our prayers are with you.
Take care of each other,
Dana Ellis
John & Edna & family,
My love & prayer support are with you at this painful time of grief & loss.
shalom, cathy
It is with great sadness that I learned the news about George. My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen, John, Carter and Isla in this difficult time.
Love as always
Mary-Lou
To Karen and family – I am deeply saddened by George’s departure. I will forever remember him as big kid – full of fun, a smile always lurking, a laugh to be shared. My heart felt condolences, Kim Kadatz
Karen .. words cannot possible help but I wanted you and the children to know that we are praying for all of you and your extended family. I hope you have family around you to keep you safe and comforted. If there is anything we can do please let us know … The whole extended Kasper family.
Karen and Family; John and Edna and Family
I was saddened when I learned about George’s passing. Take comfort knowing he touched many with his enthusiasm and vigor. May your memories of his infectious laugh and smile help resolve the pain in your hearts today.
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