Our Sympathies: Philip Gosling, OAC Supporter and Plant Conservation Champion

The OAC community mourns the passing of Philip Gosling, a long-time supporter of environmental conservation, who passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 97.

Gosling made a lasting impact on the University through significant philanthropic contributions focused on protecting natural spaces and advancing plant science. He and his wife Susan funded the creation of OAC’s Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP), which has become a key centre for research on threatened plant species and conservation practices. 

“Philip Gosling’s vision and generosity have left an indelible mark on our college and the broader conservation community,” says OAC Dean, John Cranfield. “We are deeply grateful for his legacy, which continues to shape our work and lives on through the people he inspired.”

Gosling also helped fund the Gosling Wildlife Gardens at the University of Guelph’s Arboretum, an important teaching and demonstration space for students, researchers, and the public. 

Gosling’s philanthropy reflected a lifelong dedication to nature. He helped establish the Bruce Trail in the early 1960s, organizing volunteers and securing the first 400 kilometres of what is now an 800-kilometre trail along the

Niagara Escarpment. His conservation leadership earned him several honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary degree from the University of Guelph.

Details about Philip’s celebration of life can be found here.