David Kilgour passes away; Knox College expresses condolences
David Kilgour and Laura Scott Kilgour at Knox College’s 2006 Convocation. David Kilgour received the degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.
Knox College is very sorry to announce that David Kilgour passed away on April 5, 2022. He was a Member of Parliament for 26 years until his retirement in 2006, representing the riding of Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont. As a committed Presbyterian, he was active in efforts to improve human rights in Burma, Zimbabwe, and Darfur. He believed it was important to promote awareness and understanding among different faiths and worked towards that goal. Knox College granted him the degree Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) in 2006.
Principal John Vissers said, “His was a unique voice, one of integrity, driven by principle, and imbued with his Christian faith.”
The following obituary was posted on The Presbyterian Church in Canada website:
DAVID WILLIAM KILGOUR Feb 18, 1941 – April 5, 2022. David Kilgour leaves a global legacy of courage, generosity, and compassion, tirelessly wanting to help. He died peacefully on April 5th at the age of 81, surrounded by his family at home. He will be missed by his wife, Laura Scott Kilgour, his children Margot (Nathaniel), Eileen, Hilary (Ryan), Dave (Ella), Tierra (Vlad) and his six grandchildren, his extended family and countless friends around the world. He is also survived by his sister Geills McCrae Turner. He was predeceased by his parents David Eckford Kilgour, Mary Sophia Kilgour and his brother Donald Kilgour.
Principal Dorcas Gordon (right) congratulates David Kilgour (centre) for his receipt of the degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, at Knox College’s Convocation in 2006.
Born in Winnipeg, David was a fierce advocate for equality from his early years. At 16 David studied Economics at the University of Manitoba and then law at the University of Toronto while working in the evenings as a Toronto Star journalist. A proud westerner, he practised law in BC, Alberta and Manitoba before becoming a lawmaker. A member of parliament for 27 years, he also served as Deputy Speaker and Secretary of State, always passionately defending his principles. Globally minded and intensely curious, he travelled to over 100 countries. After leaving politics he remained a vocal human rights champion who regularly spoke out against global injustice, and personally helped thousands of people. He loved writing and was a prolific author, with many books and articles published. A man of faith and integrity, he was committed to interfaith dialogue and human dignity. He taught Sunday school and served as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian church. Until his last days he loved meeting and helping others by giving voice to the vulnerable. Recently, David suffered from a rare lung disease that progressed quickly. The family are grateful for the incredible team from Bytown Palliative Medicine and Bayshore Healthcare for their care and support. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Humanitarian Coalition www.humanitariancoalition.ca , the Ottawa Mission, or we invite you to donate to your local organization that supports Immigrants and Refugees with settlement services. A celebration of his life will be held in Ottawa early this summer.