CPA Alberta, Education Foundation, mourn the passing of Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA
December 8, 2021
The CPA Education Foundation and CPA Alberta were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA. Over the course of his remarkable career, Brian brought distinction to the profession and what it stands for. His passing is a loss for the profession and the province.
Brian earned a reputation as a business leader, an educator, a writer, and a passionate supporter of youth. He believed that education is the key to success – in careers and in life. With humility and authenticity, he lent his expertise and insights to young Albertans through his writing, his speaking engagements, and his philanthropic endeavours. In his service to the CPA Education Foundation, he proved to be an engaging storyteller and a compassionate listener.
In 2018, Brian donated a million dollars to the CPA Education Foundation, an historic gift that made possible the creation of the Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre, a virtual hub of information and insights. The Knowledge Centre is rooted in Brian’s vision of sharing CPAs’ expertise with all Albertans and supporting young people in their education and career choices. Thanks to Brian’s imagination and generosity, the Centre has become an established source of inspiration and knowledge for thousands of Albertans.
For his lifetime of service to the CPA profession and the province, Brian was honoured with CPA Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the CPA Education Foundation’s Impact Award in 2019.
On behalf of all Alberta CPAs, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Brian’s wonderful family and his wide network of friends and colleagues. While his kindness, warmth and humour will be missed by all, he has left a legacy that will resonate throughout the province for decades to come.
The Foundation has been contacted by people wishing to make a donation in Brian’s memory to the Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre. Online donations can be made here. If you are an Alberta CPA, please use your CPA Alberta login information to login and make your donation. If you are not an Alberta CPA, you can access the donation site without logging-in by clicking on “Public Donation” at the top left of the page. Once into the Donation section, scroll down and click on the “Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre” to ensure your donation goes directly to the Centre. For other ways to donate, please contact the CPA Education Foundation by email at: cpaef@cpaalberta.ca.