Anthony (Tony) Grant Gould

Our family sadly announces that our beloved Anthony Grant (Tony) Gould passed away suddenly on February 28th, 2025. Predeceased by his mother, Sheila Lucile (Neil) Gould, RN, and father, Grant Allenby Gould, M.D., and his sister, Sheila Gould, Tony is survived by his loving wife, Diana, his daughters, Kimberley Gable (Adam), and Sasha; his grandchildren, Lacy and Cason Gable, his sister, Marilyn Mortimer-Lamb, and cousins, Mary Jane Gould and Tom Johnson. Tony was a wonderful and caring uncle to his nieces and nephew, and great-nieces and nephews. He left behind many close friends and colleagues.

Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Tony attended Prince of Wales and graduated from Eric Hamber. He received his Master’s degree in Psychology and Teaching Diploma at U.B.C. and began his career as a counselling psychologist, working for the BC Penitentiary. He was soon appointed to the Parole Board and, as he was a true Libra and challenged all injustices, he became frustrated encountering obstacles in trying to effect change. Tony accepted the approach of Workers Compensation Board (WCB) to join as a Rehabilitation Consultant. After 15 years, he transitioned to Director of the Columbia Pain Clinic, followed by a Directorship with the IWA Long-Term Disability Plan. Retiring at age 64, Tony continued with his ongoing work with CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), travelling to many faraway destinations to accredit international health facilities and pain clinics as a comparative study in maintaining the high standards of our Canadian and international health facilities.

Tony’s love of travel began as a teenager when he went to the Caribbean to crew on a yacht in the Bahamas. Equipped with passes from Air Canada, he then, whenever there was an opportunity between semesters, set off for Europe, Asia, the U.S., and, as years went on, his continued travels included the Netherlands, and Thailand – and, of course, he explored Canada. His travel bug was enjoyed and fulfilled by Tony throughout his life. Just recently, he said that he had visited all the countries he had wished to and was looking forward to repeated journeys.

Tony had a deep love of many genres of music, and he played the trombone throughout his life. Louis Armstrong and other jazz classics held a special place in Tony’s soul. Along with music, Tony was a voracious reader…no one was to disturb him when he had acquired his latest read.

A loving, protective father and husband, Tony was blessed with many endearing, as well as impressive qualities. As his best friend said, Tony was the most original thinker he knew. An intellectual, he was known for his love of hours-long deep, philosophical conversations, as well as enthusiastic political debate, as he thoroughly enjoyed delving into the meaning of life and problem-solving. Tony was the model of integrity. He fought for the underdog and he had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humour. He took great joy in sharing humorous stories and anecdotes, with his lovely deep laugh. He was very private and modest. He carried out many small and large acts of kindness throughout his life, compassion forefront. Tony was full of generosity and helped many in his quiet way, never sharing with others what gestures he had extended, never looking for acknowledgement. He had a sensitive, empathetic soul which was further evident by his deep love of animals, particularly his dogs, Jazz and Josie. He will be terribly missed. God Bless you, dear Tony, G-Daddy, Uncle T., To.

There will be a private family service at the Gardens of Gethsemani. If you wish, donations may be made to the SPCA and Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.