The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) announced on Monday that John Mountain, director of the OSC’s investment funds and structured products branch, has passed away.
Mountain was appointed to the position on March 14, 2016. During his time at the OSC, he led a team that worked on proposals to change the mutual fund fee structure in Canada and reduce the regulatory burden for investment fund issuers.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Mountain, who passed away this morning,” said Maureen Jensen, the OSC’s chairwoman and CEO, in a statement.
“John’s passion and leadership had a profound impact on the mutual fund industry in Canada. John’s policy contributions during his career will benefit investors and the mutual fund industry for years to come. He was an important part of our executive management team and the social fabric of the OSC.”
Mountain passed away on Monday from metastatic pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family, hours ahead of a scheduled medical assistance in dying, according to an obituary posted on Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home’s website.
“John loved his work,” the obituary added. “He was thrilled to rejoin the Ontario Securities Commission two years ago to help make investing in funds better for everyone; he enjoyed the commitment to action he found.”
Beyond work, Mountain had a passion for good art, architecture, opera, theatre and travel, the obituary stated. Furthermore, he believed that by leading his life as an openly gay man, exerting pressure from inside where he could, and from outside where it was needed, he helped make it easier for younger LGBTQ people.
Mountain is survived by his husband Greg, mother Lois, sisters Pam, Ruth, Liz and Janet, brother Eric and nephew Nimi.