Louis F. O’Brien (MBA) is Senior Vice-President of Canada Post Corporation and President of the $1.3-billion Parcels Division. In addition, he is the new Chairman of the Board of SCI Logistics (Director since 2001) and a Director of Purolator Courier (since 2005). He is the current National Chairman of Financial Executives International Canada, the premier organization for Canadian financial executives which, among many other things, annually bestows the “CFO of the Year” award to an exemplary Canadian. He is also past Chairman of the Board of SCO Health Services, a $100-million chronic, palliative, and long-term care group. He has been married to Sharon for 27 wonderful years, and they have two children – Heather and Cameron. Home is the Orleans section of Ottawa.
Alumni Notes
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Michael O’Connell (BCom) purchased Scarborough-based Canadian Printco Ltd. with partner Paul Sullivan, Artsci '79 (Economics) in October 2008 after 24 years in small business. The first two years have required every bit of knowledge and schooling they’ve collected thus far, they say. Michael believes the only constant is change.
Published in: Winter 2011
Jeff Roode, BCom, JD’93, has joined the Toronto office of Miller Thomson LLP, where he will continue his law practice focused on the payment-processing and FinTech industries.
Published in: Winter 2017
Gia Steffensen, BCom, died on Jan. 21 at the age of 65. After immigrating to Canada from Denmark with his family as a child, Gia met his high school sweetheart, Jean (Kinney) Artsci’78, in Kingston. Gia and Jean raised two daughters, Karla and Britt. He was a loving “farfar” (Danish for grandpa) to his two grandchildren. Gia had a successful career in capital markets and pension management. He started work in Waterloo, Ont., and moved to Toronto after Legg Mason acquired his firm, where Gia took on the role of chief investment officer until his retirement. Gia had a passion for golf, travel and his Danish heritage. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humour, quick wit and his generous and compassionate spirit. Gia volunteered at Smith and Queen’s. He lent his money management expertise as a member of the Queen’s Pension Plan Committee, QUIC Advisory Board and Campaign Cabinet. He was a Dare to Dream donor and co-led two historical class campaigns for his 30th and 40th reunions. During his class 40th reunion, he helped raise a total of more than $1.7 million to support student financial aid, specifically supporting students who are the first of their family to attend a post-secondary institution.
Published in: Fall 2020
John Mark Stinson, BCom’78, died suddenly on July 19. He was 66. Mark spent over 40 years as a corporate lawyer at Fasken. He was beloved, trusted and admired by colleagues and clients around the world and equally loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Stephanie, Artsci’78, Ed’79, and two children.
Published in: Fall 2022
Dietmar A. Wehr, BCom, tells us that he published his 20th novel, Empire Ascendant, in December 2018.
Published in: Winter 2019
Dietmar A. Wehr, BCom, recently published his 17th science fiction novel, Excalibur's Quest: A Swordships Odyssey Novel.
Published in: Summer 2018
Dietmar Wehr, BCom, recently published his 14th science fiction novel, The Thunder of War.
Published in: Summer 2017
Dietmar Wehr, BCom, in June, published his tenth novel, Rumors of Honor, the second book in his System States Rebellion series.
Published in: Winter 2016
1977
Ian W. Hendry (BCom) has moved his office to a new location in Ottawa to accommodate his growing business. Hendry Warren LLP has grown to 35 professionals and administrative support members. An open invitation is extended to any Comm’77 alumni, if they happen to be in Ottawa, for a tour and lunch. Ian can be reached at ian.hendry@hwllp.ca
Published in: Winter 2014