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Reginald Groome, O.C.
1928-1999
The University community was shocked and saddened by the death on September 20 of Reginald K. Groome, O.C., Chair of the Board of Governors.
Mr. Groome has truly been one of Montreal's first citizens, lending his wisdom and considerable energy to education and the welfare of the young through his support of the international Scouting movement and his many years of volunteer work for Concordia.
He joined the Board of Governors in 1980, and was elected chair in September 1992. Under his wise and steady leadership, the university weathered extraordinary times, including the shootings of 1992, changes in the senior administration, and severe budget compression.
His tenure introduced increased accountability, tighter financial controls, consultative appointment procedures, invigorated academic planning and a new code of ethics. A renewed sense of civility and mutual respect developed at Concordia, and the institution has flourished under his guidance.
A native Montrealer, Mr. Groome became manager of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, and subsequently president of Hilton Canada.
However, it is for his volunteerism that he will be best remembered. Starting in 1946 and for many years afterwards, he was known to young Montrealers as "Uncle Reg," the avuncular host of a local radio show.
Mr. Groome received many awards for both his management skills and his public service, notably the Order of Canada in 1980. The grateful Scouting movement gave him its highest award, the Bronze Wolf, in 1996.
Our sympathies go out to Christine, his wife of 46 years, their three sons, Reginald A., Roderick and Richard, and their families.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 24, at 11 a.m. at St. George's Church, 1101 Stanley St., corner of de la Gauchetière W.
