G. Raymond Chang, the former CEO of CI Financial, passed away this past weekend.
He was 65.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Chang came to Canada in 1967 to study, becoming a chartered accountant. He was also a co-founder of CI Financial.
He had a particular interest in lifelong learning, and Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education was named in his honour, recognizing his gift of $5 million to the school. Chang focused his giving on education and research, quietly supporting hospitals, universities and museums in Canada and the Caribbean.
He also served as Ryerson’s chancellor from 2006 to 2012.
Chang was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada earlier this year, awarded the Order of Jamaica in 2011 and received the outstanding philanthropist award from the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2010. He also received honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies and Ryerson.