The Passing of Harry Gulkin

It is with profound sadness that the Canadian Film Institute (CFI) has learned of the death of Harry Gulkin, and it is with considerable gratitude and emotion that we have also learned that his family has asked that bequests in his memory be made to our organization.

This gesture is remarkable, but then Harry was a most remarkable human being.

In addition to his many other accomplishments as a film producer (Lies My Father Told Me), arts administrator (at the Saidye Bronfman Centre and SODEC), he also served on our board and as its President and Chairman for nearly a decade in the 80s, at a time when we were rebuilding after a near collapse.  It is fair to say that without Harry, the organization would not have survived. His hard work, unerring good judgment, high ethical standards, and ability to find the humour in the direst of situations were central as a small team worked to rebuild the CFI.

The CFI owes a deep and continuing debt of gratitude to Harry Gulkin and now to his family, and extends its sincere condolences to all those touched by his passing.

Frank Taylor
Chair, CFI

(Photo courtesy of Cathy Gulkin)