Mr. Stephen Gough Halliday

It is with great love and deep sadness that we share the passing of Stephen Gough Halliday, who passed away peacefully at the age of 81, surrounded by the compassionate care of the staff at St. Michael’s Hospice in Burnaby, B.C.

Born in Vancouver, B.C., Stephen was a true West Coaster at heart. From the young age of 16, he discovered his passion for hospitality — a calling that became the cornerstone of his life. His talent and drive quickly carried him into leadership, and for nearly two decades he thrived with Westin Hotels & Resorts, where he built a reputation as both a visionary and a gentleman in the business.

When Vancouver welcomed the world at Expo 1986, Stephen was at the forefront, helping open the iconic Pan Pacific Hotel — a moment that marked the beginning of his long relationship with Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts. His career with the company soon took him to California, where he oversaw operations across North America, and later to Singapore, where he served as Executive Vice President of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts as well as General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore. In this role, Stephen’s leadership extended well beyond a single property — he helped shape the brand’s presence internationally and left a lasting influence on colleagues and guests across the globe.

Though his career carried him around the world, Stephen’s path eventually brought him back to his beloved hometown where he returned to his roots at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver once again as the General Manager. In 2011 he breathed new life into the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and later helped open the Tsawwassen Springs Golf and Country Club, leaving a lasting mark on Vancouver’s hospitality landscape.

Known as a “class act,” Stephen earned numerous awards and accolades, but it was never the recognition that drove him. He loved the business of hospitality for its people, its challenges, and the joy of making others feel welcome. He often said that some of the best deals were made on the golf course — his other great passion.

Stephen was a devoted husband to his late wife, Pauline Louise Halliday, and a loving father to Karla Halliday Kourajian (Peter) and Gina Halliday Pizzolon (Joey). He was a proud grandfather to five wonderful grandsons — Adam and Jake, Ben, Ryan, and Henry — who brought him endless joy. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Halliday, in 2011.

Those who knew Stephen will remember his warmth, humor, graciousness, and the way he made everyone feel welcome — a true reflection of his life’s work. His legacy lives on not only in the hotels he built and led, but in the love he shared with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to St. Michael’s Hospice Center in Burnaby, B.C., in gratitude for the compassionate care they provided. Contributions can be made at https://stmichaels.bc.ca/hospice/. A donation button can be found below.

A Memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, September 27th at 10:00 am at 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3M1, with the mausoleum inurnment to follow.

Friends and family are also encouraged to leave messages of condolences, share memories and upload photos below.