In Memoriam: University of Calgary mourns the loss of Rebecca Hotchkiss

She was the "glue" that made the Hotchkiss family’s countless successes possible, her loved ones will tell you — the quieter half of a well-known Calgary couple whose hearts were big enough to kickstart a better future for brain and mental health patients around the world. 

Many are feeling deep loss this week after the passing of Rebecca Hotchkiss, 94, wife of the late Harley Hotchkiss, iconic businessman, philanthropist and Calgary Flames owner. Together, they founded UCalgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), contributing more than $47 million to research and education at the University of Calgary. 

“UCalgary, the Cumming School of Medicine and the HBI have lost a visionary philanthropist, a dear friend and a champion of medical research,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor. “Rebecca has helped power world-class research for two decades which has been life-changing for people with neurological diseases.”

Those closest to Rebecca say she possessed a lovely, endearing sense of humour and a sharp wit, and she was rarely without a smile. Known for her soft-spoken strength, Rebecca was Harley’s confidante in matters both big and small. Their marriage, which lasted 60 years until Harley’s passing in 2011, was a testament to their deep bond and shared dedication to both family and community.

The spark for the couple’s six-decade romance first ignited at a small-town Ontario baseball game, where Rebecca met her future husband. In 1951, they moved to Calgary, where they raised five children: Paul, Brenda, John, Richard and Jeff, and became grandparents to 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Family members remain strong champions and key advisors to the HBI today. 

The momentum of their founding gift in 2004 has been pivotal for HBI’s growth. The institute now includes more than 300 scientists and clinician-researchers from nine faculties across the university who are driving world-leading research in brain and mental health disorders and diseases, improving understanding and discovering new treatments.

Inspiring a legacy of global impact in neurosciences research

Rebecca’s generosity and vision also inspired a family friend to launch a fundraising campaign in her honour, leading to the creation of the Rebecca Hotchkiss International Scholar Exchange (RHISE) Program. This program was established to foster new interactions and strengthen existing relationships between the HBI and other leading neuroscience research and training centers around the world. Through RHISE, faculty members and trainees are afforded opportunities for international research visits that significantly enhance their work in ways that could not be achieved at their home institutions.

“Rebecca Hotchkiss has made an immeasurable impact on our community through her lifelong support of health care and academic medicine at the University of Calgary,” says Dr. Todd Anderson, MD, dean of the Cumming School of Medicine. 

“She helped strengthen the international connections and global reputation of the HBI, the medical school and the University of Calgary and we’re deeply grateful.”

Adds HBI director Dr. David Park, PhD: “With her support and vision, Rebecca has not only strengthened her family’s legacy, but has also ensured HBI continues to be a beacon of excellence in neuroscience research and education around the world. Her example will continue to inspire future generations,” 

Empowering future research leaders

Rebecca also ensured that the next generation of neuroscientists could benefit from global collaboration. The RHISE Program established Trainee Research Visits for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, providing them with unique opportunities to augment their training experiences abroad, an initiative that has undoubtedly shaped many promising careers.

In 2011, HBI launched its International Strategy, a bold initiative made possible by the RHISE Program. Rebecca’s support of this strategy elevates HBI’s research and education programs to a level of global excellence through meaningful international collaborations, helping to raise awareness of HBI’s work and cementing its position on the global stage.

The UCalgary campus flag will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Rebecca Hotchkiss on Sept. 27, 2024. A funeral service for her family and friends is also being held that day.