Gary McLeod, immediate past chair of Advocis, passed away yesterday. He was 58.

In the spring of 2005, McLeod survived a serious car accident. “It ought to have claimed his life then and there,” says Roger McMillan, the present chair of Advocis. “But it didn’t and our great fortune was to have this wonderful person with us for a little while longer.”

McLeod will be remembered at Advocis and CALU for the skill with which he led these organizations, and for his years as a volunteer, says McMillan “But more so it will be for his enthusiasm, his unfailing kindness and his decency.”

McLeod’s dedication to Advocis became even more evident during the 2005-2006 year that he was chair — after the accident, says Lawrence Geller, president of L.I. Geller Insurance Agencies Ltd., Campbellville, Ont. “Few would have devoted so much time and energy to their peers, rather than simply trying to get on with their lives.”

McLeod was executive vice-president and a principal of PPI Financial Group. With offices across Canada, Gary was in charge of PPI’s group insurance division and worked out of its Toronto location.

An Advocis member since 1972, McLeod actively supported the Association throughout his career and served as director and chair of the CLU/CH.F.C. Institute for many years. From 1997 to 1998, he was chair and director of the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting.

McLeod was a frequent speaker on employee benefit issues at both industry and corporate meetings, and lectured university classes and future insurance professionals. He was an Advocis Century Initiative Platinum Member.