Dr. David Gillen, Emeritus Professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, passed away on October 31, 2024, at the age of 77, following a courageous battle with a severe blood infection contracted while sailing on Georgian Bay.

David’s remarkable journey began in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he grew up with his parents, Dr. Charles and Joan Gillen, brother Paul, and sister Margaret. Summers at the family cottage on Lake Temagami ignited his passions for sailing, flying and adventure, and fostered a self-reliant spirit that would be a driving force throughout his life.

He studied at the University of New Brunswick, where he met his former wife, Ann Marie, and welcomed their daughter, Andraya. He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto, launching an academic career that took the family across North America. It began at the University of Alberta, where his son, Andrew, was born, then continued on to Waterloo, where he taught at Wilfrid Laurier for many years and later to California at UC Berkeley. Living in Ontario, David shared his love of flight with Andrew when they flew together in his self-built Piper Super Cub, creating unforgettable memories in the skies.

After his separation, David’s consulting work brought him to Germany, where he found deep love and lifelong devotion in his wife Heidi, an airport marketing executive. Together they moved to Vancouver, where their love took off like a plane. Destined for the skies, David had accepted the position of YVR Professor of Transportation Policy at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, and the directorship of Sauder’s Centre for Transportation Studies. He served a term as a chair of the division as a way to give back to the institution he held in such high regard. He also was the chair of The Green Shipping project, funded by SSHRC. Recently, he accepted a board position with BC Rail, looking forward to making a direct impact, and was awarded the R.S. Day Outstanding Contribution Trophy, celebrating his dedication to excellence and innovation in the field.

David was a world-renowned expert in aviation and logistics, whose extensive publications shaped academic research and policy in Canada and internationally. Known for his strong work ethic, he consumed numerous international newspapers before sunrise, always staying at the forefront of industry developments. David’s legacy is also deeply felt in his personal life. He passed on his athleticism to his grandchildren, Boston and Harley, of whom he was immensely proud, and his scientific mind and love for teaching to his daughter Andraya and son Andrew. Sailing the Great Lakes was a cherished tradition, allowing him to enjoy the water, tinker on the boat and reconnect with his siblings Margie and Paul. Many happy summers were spent sailing and making memories with Heidi, Andrew and Lindsey.

He held a profound belief in the power of education as the ultimate investment – portable and forever untaxed. A mentor and guide to many, he shared his wisdom and fostered the potential in others. He thought of himself as “a simple academic”, but his pioneering work led to global collaborations and opportunities that shaped the industry and created lasting solutions. While travel brought excitement and discovery, he was equally content riding his bike every day to the university.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Heidi; his daughter, Andraya (Randy) and grandchildren Boston and Harley; his son, Andrew (Lindsey); his sister Margaret (David); his brother Paul (Susan); and a worldwide network of remarkable colleagues, friends, and students. His wisdom, curiosity, and profound belief in human potential live on in those he inspired. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring of 2025.