Thomas “Ross”, Ph.D., FCPA, FCA Archibald
June 5, 2021
Peacefully at Highview Residences on Saturday, June 5, 2021, shortly after his 86th birthday. Son of the late Jessie and Tom Archibald. Beloved husband of Yvonne “Vonnie” (née Mortimer). Much loved father of Nicole Archibald (John Straatman) and Jenny Archibald (Jeff Hayward). Caring grandfather of Scott, Brynne, Evan, and Claire.
Ross was born in Toronto and attended elementary school and the John L. Forster Secondary School, in Windsor. He was a first generation Canadian and fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage, hailing from the Clan McPherson. He obtained his BA (Honours) in Business Administration at the University of Western Ontario. There, he played football for the Western Colts, and also took up wrestling, subsequently winning the Canadian Intercollegiate Wrestling Championship in 1957. He later coached the wrestling team.
Ross studied for his CA (Chartered Accountant’s designation) while working at Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst & Young). With a view to teaching, his next move was to The University of Chicago, where he obtained his MBA and Ph.D. in Accounting. He also met Vonnie there at a party for the Commonwealth students. Patriotic as he was, he returned to Canada to teach at the Western Business School (now Ivey Business School), where he remained for 33 years, retiring as a Professor Emeritus.
Ross loved teaching. He was tough but empathetic and caring and made accounting fun. He would give his students a treat during exams (Crispy Crunch bars, invented by his Uncle Harold), and established a tradition of handing out Laura Secord candy canes to staff each Christmas. Many years ago, he established a scholarship fund for students in financial need in the name of his parents: the Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund. Throughout his career at Ivey, Ross organised homecoming reunions for his class every 5 years and attended reunions each year without fail. He was also an ardent Mustangs football fan, holding season tickets throughout his career and retirement. He received the Ivey Alumni Faculty Service Award in 2018.
Ross made an unforgettable contribution to the accounting profession. Early in his career, he served on the board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA). He was also awarded the Fellowship distinction, FCA, now FCPA, as a result. He was the founding president of the Western Ontario Chartered Accountants Association and helped to develop the Southwestern Ontario chapter of Financial Executives International Canada (FEI). His research and publications on pension costs and liabilities served as the basis for the section on pensions in the CICA Handbook. He was presented with the Al Rosen Award in 2001 for his outstanding contribution to accounting education in Canada. In 2012, he received the Frank S. Capon Distinguished Service Award from FEI. Fittingly, Ross also served on the Western University Pension Board where his final contribution was to help select Sun Life to handle pensions at Western.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highview Residences for their thoughtfulness and compassion in caring for Ross.
Cremation has taken place. Private interment at Woodland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Sunningdale Golf & Country Club, in London. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ross are asked to consider the Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund at the Ivey School of Business. Donations may be made online using the following link: >www.westernconnect.ca/RossArchibaldMemorial or by contacting Harrison Stewart, Manager of Annual Giving at Ivey: 519-661-3978 or >hstewart@ivey.ca.
Leave a tribute for Thomas “Ross”, Ph.D., FCPA, FCA Archibald
Leave a tribute
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
Vonnie and girls: I was so sad to read about your husband and Dad. For the many years I worked for him I never knew a nicer man. I got to know Jenny and Nicole through your dad. He was so very proud of you both. And Vonnie the sun rose and set on you. You are blessed with many happy memories. Take care of each other.
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
(Donated to Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund)
Ross was my accounting professor in HBA I and II and to this day I remember his enthusiasm, commitment to his students and professionalism. I am sorry to hear of his passing and the great loss his family, friends and colleagues all feel.
The Burgard family sends you comfort in this time of loss and sends their love. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Dear Vonnie, Nicole and Jenny, the Graham family (Chris, Joan, Adrienne and Lisa,) were so sorry to hear about Ross's death. As a child of one of the long-time Ivey faculty familes (Prof. John Graham (late) and Eleanor Graham (late)), I grew up around you and Ross and your family at all of the Ivey events and the parties at other faculty families (like the Johnstons, Leenders, Humphries, and the list goes on). Later, as a student and then a faculty member at Ivey, I got to know what a great teacher and colleague Ross was. He helped to make Ivey what it is today and got an incredible number of students interested in accounting along the way. And had a loving family. What a wonderful legacy.
Ross was my accounting professor in first year MBA. He had a gift for teaching and connecting with students. Many years later, I had lunch with him at a reunion and we had a great conversation while we reconnected.
Ross was a major influence on Mike's decision to become a professor, and we have stayed in touch with him and Vonnie over the many years since. We will greatly miss him, and wish Vonnie and family well.
Nicole and Family - Barb and I were so sorry to see that you lost Ross. He was one of those individuals that one is so happy to have known. He was greatly admired and respected and he touched so many lives.
Vonnie, Nicole and Jenny: My sincere condolences. I feel privileged to have known Ross, through Ivey, wrestling and golfing at Sunningdale. I loved his spirit and hearty laugh. I'll miss him. My family and I will say a prayer for your strength as you remember and celebrate his outstanding life. Glenn Yonemitsu and family
Peace Be with you and your family.
Condolences to Vonnie, Nicole, Jennie and families. We knew Ross to be a good neighbour, a welcoming host and a patient member of the group of parents that tried to control the mob of children in our active Oakridge neighbourhood. We see he also leaves a list of significant professional accomplishments - a full rich life.
Ross, you and I interacted on many levels. Sharing the Western Mustangs. Talking of personal health. Working on Ivey Executive Education. I loved you laugh. You brought joy to my life and I thank you.
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Vonnie, Nicole, Jenny and families. Ross was such a kind, thoughtful, accomplished human being and will be remembered by so many who knew him. Please know you are held close, as you mourn. Sent with love and support from the Hewlin family.
To Vonni and family Ross was my Scotch 2 Ball partner for several years at Sunningdale. Most times our second shot was off his ball. As I recall, he took up golf to have an activity post retirement. We had some good times but advancing to the 2nd round was not a common occurance. Ross will be greatly missed
Our thoughts are with you. My conversations with Ross were few but they were never dull. His enthusiasm for life was always apparent. My memories of him are always accompanied by admiration.
Nicole and family, I wanted to express my deepest condolences to you. Ross was my accounting professor in third year and was both a great teacher and a fine person. He treated all students fairly and with respect. His sense of humour and good nature were legendary. All of us loved it when he joined our class at the Spoke after exams. I pursued accounting training in part because of his positive influence. I hope these memories of Ross and the positive impact he had on young people like me bring you solace at this difficult time. Sincerely, James Black
Nicole and Vonnie. I have great memories of Ross as an honored member of FEI, A true forward thinker when discussing pension accounting. Andrew passes on his thoughts recalling teaching both Ross and Vonnie at Sunningdale.
Vonnie, Nicole, Jenny and families. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Ross was a well respected gentleman - I enjoyed conversing with him at our FEI meetings. I am glad that I was in St. John's when he received the Frank Capon Award - he was so happy and delighted to have been honoured for his contributions. I look forward to celebrating his life with you in October. In the meantime, cherish your many fond memories. Sincerely, Jamie, Sue, Sarah and Laura
Vonnie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and Ross were a fixture at Sunningdale, and his presence will be missed. Please accept our condolences. Dale and Barry McEwen
Ross was my Managerial Accounting professor during my first year of the HBA program. He was a kind, fair and engaging teacher. When I failed a midterm he called me into his office and was extremely understanding and encouraging. I have relayed that story often to my children. Ross and my father were classmates at the business school in the 1950s and my dad was so pleased that I had Ross as a professor. My deepest condolences to your family.
I have fond memories of his teaching accounting, he made it fun & interesting, especially to an engineer! MBA 1971
My heartfelt condolences to the Archibald family. Ross was my accounting professor in the MBA program. It was clear I was never going to be an accountant but he took the time and had the patience to teach me key concepts so that I could succeed. I will never forget his kindness and gentle humour.
I was a student at Western and after a difficult class he made a point of seeking me out and giving me positive feedback and encouragement. He had the right words to soothe my frustrations. I saw him years later and told him that and thanked him again. I have to think this was not a isolated case and that he touched many of his students and others. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences to you Jenny, and family. Your dad sounds like an amazing and accomplished man who will be truly missed. Like my dad, also a professor at Western (King's), who was even your prof at one point, your dad left an indelible mark on his students over a long and distinguished career. The gifts your dad shared not only with his students but mostly with his family are the memories that will sustain you in the days and weeks to come. Thinking of you, Elisa
I worked for Ross as his secretary for several years at the Business School . He had a ready smile and was a wonderful person to work with. My husband Rob is a grad from the School and he too fondly remembers Ross. Our condolences to the Family.
Dear Vonnie and family, Our condolences to you on the passing of Ross. He was a very accomplished man. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts. Sincerely, Linda and Paul (Bus. '73) Charlton
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Ivey School of Business - Jessie & Tom Archibald Scholarship Fund
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
Dear Yvonne,Jenny,and Nicole I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are a tight family and I could feel how much of an impact Ross had on your lives. He will be sorely missed. You are in my thoughts.
~ Andrea Lazosky