Altacorp founder George Gosbee has died aged 48

PM among those paying tribute to a "pillar of the community"

Altacorp founder George Gosbee has died aged 48
Steve Randall
The investment and business communities have been shocked by the sudden death of George Gosbee, the founder of AltaCorp, aged just 48.

In a statement, Altacorp said it was saddened by the loss of “a force in the investment community” noting that his loss will be felt by many.

Mr Gosbee was chairman and CEO of the Calgary-based firm he founded in 2010 but his impact on the industry, business, and the local community was far reaching.

Before Altacorp he was founder and leader of Tristone Capital Global Inc and was vice chairman of Alberta Investment Management Company for eight years. He advised both the Harper and Trudeau governments as a member of the Economic Advisory Council.

Justin Trudeau said: “I'll always be grateful for George Gosbee's work on our advisory council during our time in opposition. Calgary has lost a great business leader, pillar of the community & philanthropist. My sincere condolences to his family tonight.”

In the wider business world Mr Gosbee led the consortium of Calgary business people who bought Arizona’s Phoenix Coyotes NHL team.

A statement from Coyotes’ owner, chairman and governor Andrew Barroway says “George was a tremendous person and passionate hockey fan who played a key role in keeping the Coyotes in Arizona. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Mr Gosbee was also involved in several charities. Steve Mesler, co-founder and CEO of ClassRoom Champions which connects students in under-served schools with inspiring athletic mentors posted on Twitter:

“Today we were shaken up to hear about the sudden passing of @ClassroomChamps friend, George Gosbee. I'll remember him as a man who brought great people together to help thousands of kids. You will be missed. Thank you, George.”

Altacorp says that Mr Gosbee died Sunday and has asked that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.

The firm’s succession planning means that Paul Sarachman assumes the CEO role and he and the leadership team will ensure that the business will continue to operate normally.

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