In memoriam

Mike Gutwillig (1925 – 2023)

'It was always about what he could do for someone else'

Myer “Mike” Gutwillig, BA 48, BFA 97, who passed away on January 2 at the age of 97, was a man of many passions and a Montrealer to his core.   

Businessman, author, journalist, public-relations executive and realtor, Gutwillig was first known for his downtown-focused newspaper, En Ville, which he published and wrote for from 1963 to 1970.   

He later authored a book about Montreal called From the Heart. The Special — an offBroadway musical he wrote about an English-speaking Jewish boy who falls in love with a francophone girl — was inspired by Wilensky’s, a lunch counter in Mile End, Montreal, that famously serves a sandwich of the same name.   

In his seventies, Gutwillig enrolled at Concordia’s film school, now the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.    

“He brought people together,” remembered long-time friend Barry Beloff, BA 65. “It was always about what he could do for someone else.” 

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Barbara Barclay (1938 – 2023)

A consummate Concordian

Barbara Barclay, BA 74, BEd 76, who passed away on July 5 before her 85th birthday, was remembered as a consummate Concordian who inspired the university community as an alumna ambassador, faculty member and volunteer.   

As president of the Sir George Williams University Alumni Association, Barclay championed one of Concordia’s two founding institutions, compiling a retrospective to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sir George’s first alumni class and leading a drive to permanently honour the founders of Sir George in the lobby of the Henry F. Hall Building. 

A long-time advisor, coordinator and faculty member with the Teaching English as a Second Language department, Barclay also contributed to the growth of Concordia. She founded the university’s used-book fair in 1997 and was known to lend a hand and bring cookies to volunteers every year, even in retirement.   

The annual fundraiser has since raised more than $240,000 in support of students.   

Barbara Barclay was honoured with the university’s Distinguished Service Award in 1999.

Anthony Gucciardo (1972 – 2023)

While working in Kuujjuaq, Que., Gucciardo saw the need for better access to medical services in remote areas far from city centres. The experience inspired him to pursue his education and become a registered nurse, going on to join the Canadian Armed Forces in Montreal and in the Yukon as a cadet instructor, registered nurse and captain.

Gucciardo is remembered for his dedication to his communities and country, for helping to develop youth as they transition into adulthood, and for sharing his passion for astronomy. He co-founded the Yukon Astronomical Society, where an observatory was built — the Gucciardo Observatory Telescope was named in his honour.