Gord Hume, a former London city councillor and controller, broadcaster, consultant and novelist who spent decades contributing to the civic and cultural life of London, Ontario, has died at the age of 76. Hume died Tuesday, according to an obituary he wrote himself and that was published by Harris Funeral Home. A cause of death was not provided.
Hume’s self-written obituary began with the words, “And so I have departed. I hope it was a good death,” before offering personal reflections and messages to his family. He wrote that he loved his remaining family dearly and reflected on the difficult experiences he had endured throughout his life.
Hume was first elected to London city council in 1997, representing Ward 7. He later served on the city’s former Board of Control from 2000 until 2010, when the board was dissolved and he retired from municipal politics.
Former colleagues remembered Hume as a businessman, visionary and someone deeply invested in London’s future. Megan Walker recalled their time together at city hall, describing Hume as someone with whom she could have both serious discussions and plenty of laughs. Cheryl Miller, another former councillor, remembered his involvement with the Millennium Committee, which helped advance major downtown projects including the Covent Garden Market, Central Library and John Labatt Centre, now Canada Life Place.
Before politics, Hume worked as a journalist and became a prominent figure in London’s broadcasting and media community. His career included work with CKSL, television and radio production, the London Chamber of Commerce and Western University. He later founded Hume Communications and became an author, writing books about municipal governance as well as the “Samantha and the Sheriff” series of novels.
Hume had faced significant health challenges in recent years and underwent numerous surgeries. His final farewell will include visitation on October 18 and a service on October 19 at the London Hunt and Country Club.
London remembers Gord Hume as a passionate civic leader, storyteller, businessman and author whose influence remains woven into the city he served.
