CPA Alberta notes with sorrow the passing of one of the true icons of the profession, Hugh Bolton FCPA, FCA.
Hugh Bolton FCPA, FCA
Mr. Bolton had an exemplary professional career. He received his designation in 1963, beginning his long career in public practice with Edmonton firm Willetts, Berge & Company (which through merger eventually become Coopers & Lybrand, now PwC). His stellar knowledge and obvious leadership qualities ultimately led him to the very top of his firm, when Mr. Bolton was named Canadian Chairman and CEO of Coopers & Lybrand in 1992. He served in that role until his retirement in 1998.
Retirement from the firm served as the beginning of a second career also full of professional success, as a corporate director. Mr. Bolton used his outstanding accounting, business, and governance acumen to become a highly-regarded and well-respected member of multiple boards, including Westjet, TD, and CN. Perhaps most notably, he served as the Chair of EPCOR Utilities for 18 years. His leadership was instrumental to the success of EPCOR and Capital Power, which was spun off from EPCOR during Mr. Bolton’s chairmanship.
Proud of his designation, Mr. Bolton mentored many other professional accountants; was an active voice in the profession through, among other roles, numerous committees and working groups; and a strong supporter of the CPA Education Foundation. He also actively worked to make the community a better place, through contributions of his expertise, time, and resources to numerous worthy organizations, including STARS Air Ambulance, the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association, and Junior Achievement of Canada, to name just a few.
Mr. Bolton received a wide variety of awards and recognition for his achievements. Within the profession, he was awarded Fellowship, a Distinguished Service Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
While he will be missed, Mr. Bolton’s accomplishments and contributions will leave an enduring legacy and serve as an example of the best of the profession.
