Gosling, Philip Ronald
Gosling, Philip Ronald
August 22, 1928 – December 3, 2025It is with sadness that we note the passing of Philip Gosling on Wednesday December 3, 2025, in Guelph Ontario. He died at home. He was 97.
Philip was born in Birmingham, England on August 22, 1928. He was one of five children. Upon reaching adulthood, he joined the Coldstream Guards in 1945.
Philip immigrated to Canada in 1955. He arrived in Guelph and started a career in real estate, becoming an accredited appraiser and successful commercial real estate developer.
In 1962, Philip took a year off from work to give his full attention to the implementation of the Bruce Trail: a footpath that would follow the Niagara Escarpment. During that time, he organized an army of volunteers, galvanizing the community around a mission to protect nature. After one year the first 400 kilometers of the trail became a reality. As the first volunteer Trail Director, he spoke with countless people, drove thousands of kilometres between Queenston and Tobermory, and walked hundreds of possible trail sites. The year was personally significant as well. Jean Anderson was hired to provide secretarial support to the Trail Director and, before long, they were married. The Bruce Trail is now Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath; a gateway to nature in Ontario enjoyed by over one million visitors every year.
In the mid 1980’s Philip established one of the original craft breweries in Canada because he believed there was a need for a good British ale. Wellington Brewery continues today and is known for producing award-winning beers.
Later in life, Philip turned to philanthropy as an extension of his great appreciation of nature. Through the Gosling Foundation he supported many environmental and nature organizations across the country. He and his wife Susan prompted and funded the creation of the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP) at the University of Guelph.
For his generous and successful work in conservation, Philip was widely recognized, receiving the Order of Canada, an honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Guelph, and the position of Honorary Chair of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, among many other awards.
Philip was predeceased by his first wife, Jean. He is survived by his second wife, Susan, and her son Steven; his sister-in-law Margaret, and nephews Steve, Richard, Glenn, Trevor, Allan and Clive.
A celebration of life will be held at the OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre, 250 Arboretum Road, University of Guelph on June 3rd at 2 p.m.
You are invited to honour Philip and join in his life’s work for nature by donating to the Bruce Trail Conservancy or GRIPP at the University of Guelph.
