Alumni Notes

Ron Jamieson (MBA) has launched Hire Gray Matter, a new boutique executive search firm. The company specializes in placements in permanent and interim roles in the manufacturing, mining and financial services sectors, and also provides personalized outplacement services.

Robert Buller (MBA, Arts’71) has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Business at Douglas College of New Westminster and Coquitlam, BC (suburbs of Vancouver). He formerly headed the Marketing Department at the neighboring Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Douglas, a Baccalaureate College, offers BBA degrees and numerous other undergraduate degrees and diplomas. Douglas also has two university partners in China – Shanghai and Harbin – where they offer BBA degrees in finance to Chinese students, following the Douglas curriculum and taught in English by a combination of Douglas and local professors. Robert, a former Director of Alumni Affairs at Queen’s and an adjunct professor of business in the early 1990s, has continued to serve as an advisor to project courses in Queen’s and Cornell-Queen’s Executive MBA programs.

Bob Butterill, BCom, was elected to the board of directors and to the position of Treasurer of the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLMF) in June 2017. Bob represents Rotary International on the board. Rotary is a founding sponsor  of CLMF.

James “Jim” Buttrey (BCom) died suddenly at his home on Howe Island, near Kingston, Ont., on Sept. 12, 2013, aged 60. He is survived by his wife Maria (Ethier), daughters Lil, Gracie and Johnna, and members of his extended family.

Robert “Rob” Buller (MBA 77, BA’71) passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2013, at his home in Nanaimo, B.C. He proudly served with the 48th Highlander Regiment of Canada (Lieutenant) and was a former Director of Alumni Relations at Queen’s. His career covered a diverse spectrum, including the hospitality industry and management consulting, but his greatest satisfaction came from teaching in local colleges and working as an advisor to students in the Queen’s Executive and Cornell-Queen’s Executive MBA programs. He was a mentor for new advisors and the many students he assisted over the years greatly appreciated both his support and his boundless enthusiasm. He made a point of including a stop at Queen’s, at his own expense, during his annual visits to Ontario, and was a tireless ambassador in promoting the school’s programs and initiatives. He was also active in his local community in supporting the Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Planning Commission, Fraser River Discovery Centre, VanDusen Gardens, Canadian Power Squadron, and many more. Rob is survived by his longtime partner Karen Lubin, brother Kenneth, and members of his extended family.