In Celebration of
Selwyn Kossuth
August 16, 1937 - December 9, 2025
Selwyn Barnett Kossuth passed away peacefully at home in Mississauga on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 16th, 1937, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Selwyn is survived by his wife of 61 years, Philippa (Pippa, née Holford); his three sons, Guy, Donald (Erin), and Robert (Vivien); and six grandchildren, Reginald, Gabrielle, Brigitte, Gregory, Zane, and Michael. He was the eldest brother of Anthony (Tony) and Stephen (Steve), and a beloved member of the wider Kossuth, Israel, Hochschild and Holford families.
A gifted scholar and athlete, Selwyn graduated with a B.Com at Stellenbosch University. He earned the Transvaal Rhodes Scholarship in 1958, and read law at University College Oxford, where he also played field hockey and cricket – earning his Blue in field hockey, and was proud to have played international cricket in four South American countries. His professional life took him from Shell International and Anglo American in South Africa, Latin America, and England to executive roles in Canada’s financial sector, including at Nesbitt Thomson, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Mutual Fund Dealers’ Association, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
After emigrating to Canada in 1980, Selwyn lived a life of service and faith, active in Rotary, especially Camp Enterprise, and in the Anglican congregations of St. Paul’s Lorne Park, St. Bride’s Clarkson, and St. George’s in Clarksburg. He delighted in mentoring young people, cherished time at the family cottage on Georgian Bay and was passionate about his golf, curling and bridge. Selwyn also authored and published two novels.
Selwyn will be remembered for his kindness, sharp sense of humour, generosity, and the steadfast friendships he nurtured across Canada and around the world. Above all, he treasured his family and the lifelong partnership he shared with Pippa, his greatest friend and companion.
A family service has been held. A Celebration of Selwyn’s Life is being planned for Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Mississauga West Rotary Club Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
Selwyn is survived by his wife of 61 years, Philippa (Pippa, née Holford); his three sons, Guy, Donald (Erin), and Robert (Vivien); and six grandchildren, Reginald, Gabrielle, Brigitte, Gregory, Zane, and Michael. He was the eldest brother of Anthony (Tony) and Stephen (Steve), and a beloved member of the wider Kossuth, Israel, Hochschild and Holford families.
A gifted scholar and athlete, Selwyn graduated with a B.Com at Stellenbosch University. He earned the Transvaal Rhodes Scholarship in 1958, and read law at University College Oxford, where he also played field hockey and cricket – earning his Blue in field hockey, and was proud to have played international cricket in four South American countries. His professional life took him from Shell International and Anglo American in South Africa, Latin America, and England to executive roles in Canada’s financial sector, including at Nesbitt Thomson, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Mutual Fund Dealers’ Association, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
After emigrating to Canada in 1980, Selwyn lived a life of service and faith, active in Rotary, especially Camp Enterprise, and in the Anglican congregations of St. Paul’s Lorne Park, St. Bride’s Clarkson, and St. George’s in Clarksburg. He delighted in mentoring young people, cherished time at the family cottage on Georgian Bay and was passionate about his golf, curling and bridge. Selwyn also authored and published two novels.
Selwyn will be remembered for his kindness, sharp sense of humour, generosity, and the steadfast friendships he nurtured across Canada and around the world. Above all, he treasured his family and the lifelong partnership he shared with Pippa, his greatest friend and companion.
A family service has been held. A Celebration of Selwyn’s Life is being planned for Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Mississauga West Rotary Club Foundation or to a charity of your choice.