In Memoriam: Ross Glen, Calgary philanthropist

The University of Calgary is mourning the loss of Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Ross Glen.

Glen passed away on March 8 at the age of 87.

Glen, founder of RGO Office Products, was well known and respected as an entrepreneur and community builder. Over the years, he assisted many organizations and charities in Calgary, including UCalgary, where multiple faculties were helped by his support, including the Haskayne School of Business, Cumming School of Medicine (Libin Cardiovascular Institute) and the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

Beginning in 1966 with just three employees, Glen built RGO Office Products from the ground up, growing it to a multi-million-dollar company with around 200 staff across Alberta.

He was fondly referred to by loved ones as “Curious George” due to his curious nature. 

“He had a presence about him that filled the room. He was always fun to be with,” his daughter, Cathy Orr, president of RGO Office Products since 2016, told the Calgary Herald. 

Glen contributed to Calgary education ecosystem

Glen’s impact on Calgary’s education community was mighty. Beyond UCalgary, he made significant contributions to Mount Royal University, SAIT, Bow Valley College and Lester B. Pearson High School. As a result, several of these institutions have named rooms and scholarships after him. In 2009, the Haskayne School was proud to name the RGO Classroom in Scurfield Hall in recognition of Glen and his company’s generosity. RGO Office Products has also supported learning and work environments in many parts of the university.

Glen and RGO supported many organizations in Alberta, including the Calgary Chamber, EducationMatters, YWCA of Calgary, Banff Centre, Hull Services, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Calgary, and the RESOLVE Campaign to build affordable housing in Calgary for people in need.

Glen’s entrepreneurial and giving spirit landed him numerous accolades including being appointed to the Order of Canada in 2020, being inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame in 2016, and receiving an honorary degree from MRU in 1999.

In addition to RGO Office Products, Glen also started partner companies RGO Flooring, RGO Edmonton, and RGO Properties.

“Ross Glen was an important figure in Calgary’s design community. The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape appreciate, and benefited from, his support and involvement with our students and researchers,” says SAPL Dean John Brown.

The University of Calgary offers thanks to Ross Glen for his numerous contributions to the university and sends sincerest condolences to his friends and family.