Tributes

Welcome to this space of remembrance, where family, friends, fellows and loved ones are invited to share their cherished memories, stories, and messages of comfort.

Click HERE if you would like to share a memory or send a message for the family.

Living Professor David's Values in My Life: Ideas are wonderful, but what truly defines us is living by them. Prof David taught me to trust myself, even when I doubted my own abilities. He believed in my potential when I could not see it, showing me that resilience and courage come from the heart, not just the mind. He often said, 'All the things I solve now are new to me. I didn’t know much about sustainability before, I didn’t know much about law before, I didn’t know how to bake before; it’s okay, I can always learn.' His confidence in embracing the unknown gave me the strength to challenge societal norms and trust that it is never too late to grow. One thing he did that surprised me was his discipline to rest. He would say he took breaks every two hours, went for walks, and used summers to retreat from work. As a fellow workaholic, I admired his approach to active rest. Through him, I have learned the science of recharging and to accept myself in a culture that often glorifies burnout. After my own serious illness, I found strength in his story. Prof David often shared how he had faced near-death experiences and how painful yet rewarding it was to reclaim his health. He said, 'After my open-heart surgery, after having to learn to climb the stairs again, I told myself that nothing in life will stop me.' His example reminds me that no hardship can take away the fact that I am strong and capable. Life has its ups and downs, and even though he can no longer reply, I still write to him, feeling his guidance every day. Prof David’s presence in my life was a light. Living by his values is my way of keeping his beautiful soul with me, always.

- Eureka, Shenzhen
"David’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled. His life was a testament to the power of connection, inspiration and curiosity. Despite physical distance, David and Heidi were a constant presence in our lives, a source of unwavering support when in need and a testament to genuine friendship. We recall their move to Vancouver, a time of shared excitement and new beginnings for all of us at the same time, in the same beautiful city. Their dedication to friendship knew no bounds. Even when we moved to New Zealand, David and Heidi made the extraordinary effort to visit us in Wellington, a gesture that spoke volumes about the depth of our bond. But also, their presence during challenging times, when we spent weeks and months at Auckland hospital, was a pillar of strength, a tangible expression of their love and support. David possessed a rare ability to ignite intellectual curiosity, sparking engaging conversations that ranged from global affairs to potential PhD topics. Those evenings spent sharing craft beers, exchanging ideas, and simply enjoying each other's company were moments of pure joy. He had a unique gift for making everyone feel valued and heard. His laughter, his insightful conversations, and his genuine kindness left a lasting mark on our lives. David's legacy of friendship, intellectual exploration, and unwavering kindness will continue to inspire us all. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in our hearts."

Jeannine and Jan Kruse, Germany
David was an amazing man. He was loved greatly in the faculty by staff, students, and other professors. He will be dearly missed. He was a true contributor and a friend to everyone. I enjoyed every one of my meetings with him over the years, and he always gave great counsel and advice. A truly remarkable man, and all that knew him will miss him.

- Darren Dahl, Dean UBC Sauder School of Business
"It has been difficult to come to terms with the loss of David and our heart goes out to Heidi, who he adored beyond measure. Remembering David is to remember the warm smile, the gentle Canadian accent, the wealth of knowledge about so many things, wise counsel with an open mind to new ideas, new interests, people and places. As a colleague, like-minded academic and thinker who shared his time and ideas on writing papers and books together over the decades, he is missed on a daily basis. On a personal level, his love and happiness found with Heidi was evident for all who knew him – ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ who were always meant to be together. Spending time with both of them was never lost and we have the fondest memories of times spent together in different parts of the world, of the fun and laughter, which will last forever. Trips usually involved as many different types of transport as possible and if there was the added bonus of a ships’ chandler nearby all the better. Nothing demonstrates the extraordinary qualities that David possessed better than the fact that he and Heidi flew 5000 miles one weekend just to come to a special birthday lunch on a Saturday last summer. There is no better tribute to true love and friendship, and we are forever grateful for knowing such a remarkable human being."

Ursula and David Starkie, Wiltshire, UK
"Professor Gillen and I met in the summer of my junior year of high school over Zoom. At this time, I had developed an interest in economics, and my mom, a previous research assistant of his, thought it would be helpful to schedule a call between the two of us. An awkward 20-minute conversation later, and I had secured an economics mentor who would steward my young mind for the next few years to come. Every Sunday, I would meet with Professor Gillen, bringing to him a list of economics questions I had gathered throughout the week. From supply chain optimization to basic supply and demand, Dr. Gillen patiently answered every question I had, carefully nudging my chain of thought in the right direction as he taught me how to think like an academician. I left every meeting with my horizons broadened, my curiosity renewed as I delved further into the fascinating world of economics. Dr. Gillen’s support for me ran beyond intellectual exercises. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. I am immensely grateful for how he always believed in me and thank him for his role in shaping me into who I am today."

Aaron Lee, UC Berkeley
“Prof. Gillen was one of the most generous men I have ever met, sharing his expert knowledge and experience in his fields; teaching and mentoring young students and staff as well as helping them to excel. In short, he is one of the warmest souls that I have ever met in this world! It was a great honour of mine to have the chance to learn from him and I have always been very grateful for the light that he had shed in my life!”

- Doris C, Hong Kong
"With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to David, our wonderful brother-in-law, uncle, and friend who brought so much joy and richness to our family. The love he shared with my sister Heidi was nothing short of extraordinary—a true example for us all. Together, they created a life filled with moments so vivid and beautiful that they will forever be a cherished part of our family’s story.  We will always treasure the incredible vacations we shared as the ‘German Family.’ Also, the trips with just me and my two boys, or even with just me alone, bring back countless memories of laughter, love, and joy.  David and Roland shared a passion for craftsmanship, and their visits to the Bauhaus were always a highlight full of enthusiasm and creativity.  David leaves behind a void that no one can fill, but also countless memories that will stay with us forever.  David, you will remain in our hearts always."

- Anette with Roland and Leon, Germany
“David has been a mentor and a close friend. He left us prematurely. He just retired and was looking forward to many more years of academic productivity while sailing the waters of Georgian Bay. He was flourishing with ideas, his creativity and energy knew no bounds and we were just getting started with our plans on co-authoring a book on aviation operations and economics. David leaves an inspiring legacy behind. Together with Tuba Delibasi we recently wrote a paper together that, sadly, turned out to be his last. David was very proud of this paper. So am I. I will miss our bi-weekly Friday morning meetings. When he called me from home, I knew he was baking a new batch of sourdough bread. Halfway through the meeting he would excuse himself, as he had to go and fold the dough. He would later send me a picture to show off his wonderfully looking—and tasting—bread only to complain that someone just swallowed one of the loaves… This, like many other anecdotes, tells the story of David: diligently waking up early to get some extra hours of work, he was the master of perfection, paying attention to the details, and knew how to stay focused, and doing everything with a smile.”

- Prof. Binyamin (Bennie) Mantin, Luxembourg
"David was and remains a gift to our family. With his curiosity, intellect, and humor, he enriched every discussion and deepened every conversation. He was an inspiration to us all, a valued mentor, a witty uncle, and an immensely cherished brother-in-law. Far too soon, he has left us. We miss him and will hold him in the fondest memory. Dear Heidi, thank you for bringing him into our lives. We feel incredibly fortunate for the wonderful time we shared with him. We will carry the many beautiful moments as a treasured memory in our hearts."

- Verena, Jochen, Helena and Felizia, Germany
“...in your note, you mentioned that David was a true gentleman. That was what I loved about David. Many men of his generation still harbour at least a snippet of a patriarchal attitude but David did not. He listened just as intently to me as he did to any of the men in our little sailing community. He always made me feel that what I had to say was worth his time and attention. David was effortlessly kind and endlessly good-natured. Gerry and I both feel that we are better for having known him.”

- Summer Figliano, Markham ON
"If I hadn’t been lucky enough to meet David in my Logistics class ten years ago, I doubt my life would be the same today. I moved to Canada to attend the University of British Columbia on my own, and to this day, my university years remain the period when I faced some of the toughest challenges. Balancing academics, financial struggles, and living halfway across the world from home was no easy feat. During this journey, the immense support and guidance David shared with me are beyond words. Time and again, he was there to help me grow into the person I am today. In 2015, my family began experiencing financial difficulties, and I wasn’t sure how I would afford to pay international tuition fees the following year. During the semester, I went to David’s office hours—he was my professor at the time—and asked if there were any work opportunities available. I didn’t expect much and wasn’t even sure if I was capable enough to be considered for anything he might need. However, shortly after, David informed me of an opportunity to work as his research assistant for the summer. That position led to a significant breakthrough: based on the project we worked on together, David helped me secure an eight-month internship at the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Not only did this provide me with valuable experience, but it also allowed me to save enough money for tuition and living expenses for the following year. David was an incredible person, teacher, and mentor. I vividly remember how he gave his students the option to choose between having a final exam worth 100% of their grade or splitting it among exams, assignments, and attendance. This thoughtful approach acknowledged that some students, particularly those on exchange, who might want to explore Canada and study on their own schedule. I was amazed by his ability to understand, reason with, and effectively teach hundreds of students in their twenties. He was by no means an easy teacher or a lenient grader. Quite the opposite—he consistently pushed his students to realize their potential. Despite teaching complex courses and maintaining high standards, he was always respected and regarded as fair in his approach. Over the years, David truly became someone I could turn to for anything—from discussing aviation and career aspirations to navigating life’s challenges. Even when I shared ideas that were not fully thought through, he never responded with judgment. Instead, he asked insightful questions or offered suggestions, allowing me to arrive at my own conclusions. With his extensive knowledge, he understood that personal growth often comes from finding answers within ourselves. The world has lost an extraordinary person, but I am certain that the ripple effects of his mentorship and contributions will continue to grow. His legacy will never be forgotten."

- Murat Suyumbayev, UAE
“David was a BIG man - in stature, of course, but also in intellect, humour, and the capacity for many, many friendships. All around the world. The kind of a man that one couldn’t imagine would ever NOT be here anymore. Maybe also, because it touched me deeply: He always made it clear how much he loved you, and how you had made his life complete. May he rest in peace.”

- Paul M, London ON
“Of the men I have known, David is of the very top tier for friendliness, compassion, intelligence. He was such a warm and present neighbour - when ever the sound of raking leaves came from your garden, he was up for a pause and an interesting chat. I as an individual and our block as a community will miss him tremendously but will reflect on the pleasure and honour to have known a man of such stature.”

- David Nanton, Vancouver BC
"... It was always uplifting to be with David. He was a good soul; cheerful, thoughtful, and obviously full of affection for you. You two were a strong couple and we know you will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with you and we know you will keep his spirit alive."

- Cathy and Jon Losee, Royston BC
“I had the privilege of being in David’s first Economics class. David strolled in wearing slippers and a cardigan sweater. He proceeded to scare the crowd by going into great detail what the class would entail. Fearful this was much more than was stated in the syllabus I made an appointment with David. Once there I greeted David as Doctor Gillen and was admonished to call him David as his Father was a medical Doctor and he was not. Moving along I asked David what was up with the scary introduction to the Class. David advised me he just wanted to “cull the class numbers” as too many people were there. We became fast friends thereafter. David was the best Professor I had and a great Friend. David always made you think while in class and outside. I will miss our long conversations and too few visits. Our condolences, Heidi, Andraya, Andrew and Family. David was a much loved Man and will be sorely missed.”

- Del Lewis, Edmonton
"David fit so much living into his life. I often would marvel at how much he accomplished and how much he still did. And he seemed to take so much joy and pleasure in all the aspects of your life together, whether that was riding your bikes with the fancy Copenhagen wheels, his fancy new electric bike, his gardening, your sailing adventures in Georgian Bay, purchasing your VW bug…the list goes on. And he was always thinking about research questions, digging deep into various intellectual ideas. Sometimes it was hard to keep up!"

- Amy Kim, Vancouver
"We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband David. Often, over the years we spoke of how you complemented each other in so many ways; the handsome, passionate, young sailor from Ontario and the beautiful, talented, young girl from Germany. What a truly inspiring couple!... You are right Heidi, David was a true gentleman, an extraordinary person, and his passion and love for sailing was evident to all who knew him. His eyes always sparkled when he talked about sailing, and he demonstrated many personality traits of a true sailor; realistic, detail oriented, extremely hands-on, and well organized. There is no doubt in our minds that his eyes sparkled as he shared some of his most exciting moments on the water with his young academics and students. His legacy will surely live on through many of the lives he touched and through the memories you both shared together. Those memories will bring you comfort and peace, and help you navigate your path into the future."

- Judy & Aldo Francioso, Ontario
“David was a remarkable scholar, a committed teacher and a wonderful friend to many, many people who will miss him terribly. Beyond his own vast and exemplary research -- which included so many important contributions in airline economics among other areas -- David served his profession with terrific, collegial leadership – for example by chairing his division, directing research centres, leading large research projects, mentoring younger scholars and organizing important conferences. His was an important voice on transportation policy in Canada and beyond, one that we may never be able to fully replace. And, as hard working as he was – with effort levels that were off the charts – he was always a warm, compassionate and loyal friend with a wonderful, engaging sense of humour. His passing represents an immeasurable loss to so many of us.”

- Tom Ross, Prof. Emeritus, Vancouver BC
"Dear all, shocking news that we still have to recover from. We also have wonderful memories of David. In 2008/9 he helped us enormously on the dynamics of price elasticities in aviation in the discussion we had with our government."

- Pieter Cornelisse, KLM
“Oh David, we miss you so. We are incredibly indebted to you for welcoming us into your broad circle of friends. As fellow sailors and owners of sister ships, we constantly shared ideas and then collaborated to bring them to fruition on both our vessels, while exploring any topic under the sun along the way. I still regularly find myself musing, “I must ask David about this” a moment before realizing the question will remain unspoken. We are so privileged to have been embraced by someone of such soaring intellect, warm humour, generous spirit, boundless energy, gentle kindness and breadth of talent. We’ll miss all these things and, perhaps most of all, we’ll miss your ready smile.”

- Kevin & Lise, Georgian Bay
"I was incredibly sad to hear this news. David was an inspiration to me. He was kind, thoughtful, supportive, and gave feedback in a constructive manner that helped anyone that wanted to improve their ideas. He gave me opportunities to develop as a researcher and stretch my thinking in ways that I wouldn’t have considered without his urging. Mostly though, I will miss his huge laugh and kind spirit. There are pictures of him with my kids in his home in Vancouver in 2007 (they still talk about the hamburgers he made) when he invited me to spend some time at UBC, and the time I met up with him and Heidi in a London pub ten years ago."

- Keith Mason, UK
“Dear David, We recently reminisced about our last evening together—it was last April when you came to Milan for my birthday. Most of the guests had left, and Giuseppe cooked for us. The atmosphere was effortless, filled with laughter. You enjoyed the Leffe beer from Belgium, and we all had such a wonderful time. You have always been, and will always be, the great love of my dear friend Heidi. Not only her “Über-Alles,” but also her hero and prince. She left for Canada because of you and for the love you shared—thankfully so, because otherwise, I would never have had the joy of knowing you both. You never minded when Heidi and I traveled together; in fact, you encouraged it, knowing how much it meant to her. We carry on through the memories of moments like these. And now, it is those memories that Heidi will hold close—your countless journeys together, the love you gave her, the two of you dancing in the kitchen. David, this next journey is yours alone. Heidi is staying here with us. But do me a favor—watch over her. And, as she wrote so beautifully about you, remind her what you would have wanted: to thrive and live life to the fullest."

In friendship, Anja & Giuseppe, Italy
A PLEASE GET BETTER LETTER - “Dear David, do you remember our first visit in October 2010? It was truly unforgettable. Verena, determined never to miss one of her daughters’ birthdays, cleverly tied her Vancouver work event to a life-long dream—all four of us visiting you and Heidi together as a family. Your Thanksgiving feast, especially that incredible turkey, became the gold standard we still rave about! And your pumpkin carving lesson with Helena and Felizia? Absolute magic. By the way, back home, their Halloween costumes stole the show—they were the talk of the town, and no one had scarier or more creative outfits! We cherish the joy and laughter of that trip and look forward to many more unforgettable Thanksgivings once you are feeling better. Just be sure to plan for a bigger turkey to match these now-grown young ladies! Wishing you a smooth recovery and sending all our love,

- Jojo, Verena, Helena, and Felizia, Germany
"Whatever David did, he did it with all his heart, dedication and the great gift of creating connections. This was not only true in his profession. I was able to experience this when I visited David and Heidi in Vancouver as a friend. His hospitality and openness always made me feel welcome. We had conversations about God and the world, barbecued in the garden or prepared a meal together - as if we had known each other for ages. He simply had an approachable and subtle, natural way of dealing with people. And when it came to his commitment, he made no distinction between his professional and private life. He devoted himself to everything with the same intensity and dedication. He knew that everything had its time and importance - and he lived his life accordingly. That's how I keep David's memory alive: a great, committed person, open-minded and with a big heart."

- Dr. Karin Steinhage, Germany
"I wanted to express my condolences to you and tell you that Dave was one of my very favourite people at the Sauder School and UBC. He was an excellent scholar and teacher and an even better colleague and friend. I always loved talking and laughing with Dave, and the conversation would always come back in some way to you. You were the light of his life, and he would just beam when he would mention your name. All losses are tough, this one especially so. I guess I just wanted to write to let you know that I feel it too. He was a good man and he will be missed."

- Bob Helsley, Dean Emeritus, Vancouver BC
"Is Heidi here?” That used to be David's first question when he arrived at our office at Hamburg Airport. Heidi was my colleague at the airport and I witnessed how persistently, consistently and gentlemanly David wooed Heidi - until she finally followed him to Vancouver. David was always open and approachable and made time for conversations, even when his work commitments didn't really allow it. We rarely saw each other - and yet David always effortlessly forged a personal bond as if it were yesterday. A great man who, despite his high-flying career and his passion for aviation, always kept his feet on the ground. That's how I remember him, and that's how I'll miss him.

- Holger Krall, Germany
"I am having a mass celebrated for David on March 31st at 7.30 am (30-35 minutes) at St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto ON. Walking access is from Bay St. a few blocks South of Bay/Bloor intersection; or from St. Michael's College. All are welcome."

Ashish Lall, Toronto
"I am writing to express my deep sorrow and condolences for you. I can think of no words of comfort for your loss. David was such a great guy and a wonderful colleague. He shared his intellectual gifts and kindness with so many people. He will be remembered well, which may be the most that any of us can ask from life. We will be thinking of you, as you come to terms with this sad event."

- Barry Prentice, Winnipeg MB
"David had such a very special manner as he humbly related a fascinating story - he had a lovely way of making everyone he met feel their best as he shared his Love of Life - he will truly be missed. 💖💖"

- Frank and Dale Pawlitza, Ontario
"David was always excited to see you. His enthusiam for life and learning was infectious which made him a wonderful guy to be around. His support extended beyond teaching. Our first deal where we brought on outside investors was a house flip in Coldstream. I happened to mention that we had this house tied up and needed to raise some money because the bank was giving us a hard time, and next thing you know we were 50/50 partners. Many investments followed in Highstreet, and he was always hugely supportive. Conversations with David were always interesting and entertaining and always involved smiles and laughter. We'll miss him terribly."

- Scott and Melissa Butler, Calgary
"Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I collaborated with David frequently since the mid-1990s. We conducted two missions to Ghana for an aviation sector review. We worked together on analyses of the US-Canada Open Skies agreement and we conducted aviation studies for the US Export-Import Bank. For many years we worked together on highway-rail grade crossing issues. David was an extraordinary man, educator, researcher and colleague. He had a fabulous sense of humor, something often lacking in people of his stature. It was always a great pleasure and privilege to work with David. He will be missed by many. I hope you are coping well with your loss, and that you find comfort in knowing that David’s memory will be a blessing for those who knew him and for the many who will benefit from his contributions to the fields of transportation economics and logistics. Wishing all the best,"

- Daniel Brod, Rockville US
"We miss David. He was an extraordinary person and made such an impact on everyone lucky enough to meet him." With love,

- Ciara, Andrew and Ben
"I would like to express my sincere condolences on David’s passing. I knew David from my time in the Dean’s Office at UBC Sauder. I would like to say that David was one of the classiest individuals I know and have nothing but great memories of him from sharing his sailing adventures in Georgian Bay (my husband is also a sailor and truly enjoyed hearing David sailing stories) to trips to New Zealand to mentioning that you were taking photography classes. What touched me the most was how when he spoke of you, it was always with such great affection."

- Janet Gannon, retired staff member, Dean’s Office, UBC Sauder School
In our house there hangs a photo taken by Heidi. It shows David and me - our heads bowed over a large frying pan jointly finishing a meal for dinner. Cooking together has always been one of the things we especially enjoyed. We started cooking together for those speakers of the Hamburg Aviation Conference which came the day before the conference. In the morning, I usually went shopping on the market first thing in the morning and picked up David at Rissen station around lunch time. After a welcome beer we started preparing the dinner at the same time discussing the upcoming conference, aviation, policy and many other issues. Cooking for about 12 to 15 guests was challenging, but wonderful at the same time. This was more than 20 years ago, but the memory stays fresh as it became a tradition – our tradition. Discussing God and the world with our hands chopping vegetables, we developed a friendship that soon included my wife Frauke, our three kids, and Heidi of course. We are thankful for many hours spent together in our house here in Hamburg, in Waterloo, on your sailboat, in Vancouver, … We became close in spite of living so far apart from each other - as Heidi put it: “We thought of you as being family.” Our whole family will keep you in loving memory, David!

Hans & Frauke, Germany
"David masterfully led our international green shipping research project over the past ten years. With over 20 universities and 20 non-academic government, industry and NGO partners from 3 continents, it was a daunting project and we were warned that conflicts and stress would abound. It turned out, however, to be the opposite. With David at the helm, it was a wonderfully engaging, cooperative and highly productive partnership. David shaped this project and set the tone based on the way he navigated life: with good humour, hard work, curiosity, and a sense of fun and adventure. David led and taught every day by example. Not just about how to conduct quality research but also fundamentally about strong character and abundant joy. I will always carry these lessons with me. Thank you, David."

Jane Lister, Associate Director Centre for Transportation Studies, UBC
"David Gillen was the division chair when I joined UBC Sauder. He was gentle and kind. He helped me to get used to my new work. He was a scholar who believed in the impact of his work. He was often the first person in the building. On rare mornings when I got to work at 6 am, I frequently bumped into him taking a "mid-morning" coffee break at that time. He was always calm. I will miss him dearly.

Tim Huh, Sauder School of Business, UBC

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Tributes

Welcome to this space of remembrance, where family, friends, fellows and loved ones are invited to share their cherished memories, stories, and messages of comfort.

"... It was always uplifting to be with David. He was a good soul; cheerful, thoughtful, and obviously full of affection for you. You two were a strong couple and we know you will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with you and we know you will keep his spirit alive."

"Dear all, shocking news that we still have to recover from. We also have wonderful memories of David. In 2008/9 he helped us enormously on the dynamics of price elasticities in aviation in the discussion we had with our government."

"I am having a mass celebrated for David on March 31st at 7.30 am (30-35 minutes) at St. Basil's Catholic Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto ON. Walking access is from Bay St. a few blocks South of Bay/Bloor intersection; or from St. Michael's College. All are welcome."

"David had such a very special manner as he humbly related a fascinating story - he had a lovely way of making everyone he met feel their best as he shared his Love of Life - he will truly be missed. 💖💖"

"We miss David. He was an extraordinary person and made such an impact on everyone lucky enough to meet him." With love,