David Black: Personal Life, Philanthropy, and Riffington Manor
Beyond his professional achievements, David Black is a prominent figure in Victoria, British Columbia, known for his commitment to education, his passion for sailing, and his stewardship of one of the city's most historic estates. His life reflects a blend of family devotion, political engagement, and a deep-rooted desire to give back to the community.
Key Facts
- Residence: Riffington Manor, a historic waterfront estate in Uplands, Victoria.
- Education Support: Long-time benefactor of the University of Victoria (UVic).
- Philanthropy: Donates film location fees from his home to the Victoria Hospice Society.
- Political Affiliation: Supporter of the conservative BC United party.
- Honors: Recipient of an honorary degree from UVic (2014) and named Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year (2007).
Personal Life and Interests
David Black resides in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1970, he married Annabeth Cote, whom he met while they were both students at the University of British Columbia. Together, they had four children: twin sons Alan and Fraser, and daughters Morgan and Catherine. As of 2012, Black is a grandfather to nine grandchildren, including Vann and Tucker. Annabeth passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 23, 2006.
An avid sailor, Black is a member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and owns a boat named the Esperanza. His passion for the sea led him to take a seven-month hiatus during the 1990s to sail a 77-foot ketch—a two-masted sailing vessel—across the Atlantic Ocean.
Politically, Black supports the centre-right BC United party. His financial contributions to provincial politics include $5,430 donated to the BC Liberals by Black Press between 2006 and 2011.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Riffington Manor: A Historic Landmark
Black lives at Riffington Manor, a distinguished home located in the Uplands area along Beach Drive. Built in 1913 for Andrew Wright, a Scottish-born businessman and key investor in the Uplands development, the mansion was constructed using stone sourced from Haddington Island.
The two-story estate is renowned for its architectural grandeur, featuring 10 fireplaces and an octagonal entrance hall topped with a rose-windowed dome and an upper-level gallery. The entire second floor is dedicated to four bedrooms, each equipped with its own full bathroom and dressing room. In 2016, the Times Colonist described the property as one of the most famous and historic waterfront estates in Victoria.
In a gesture of philanthropy in honor of his late wife, Black rents the manor as a film location and donates all proceeds to the Victoria Hospice Society. The estate has appeared in several productions, including the fourth film of the Gourmet Detective series in 2017 and the Hallmark Channel movie Once upon a Prince in 2018.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Contributions to the University of Victoria
David Black has maintained a long-standing relationship with the University of Victoria (UVic). From 1991 to 1996, he served as the first board chair of the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. His commitment to fostering future business leaders is further evidenced by the Black Press Business Scholarship. Established in 2008, this annual scholarship provides $5,000 to up to 37 students from across British Columbia entering the Bachelor of Commerce program.
The university has recognized Black's contributions through several prestigious honors. In 2007, the business school named him the "Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year," and in 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree. More recently, in 2019, UVic named the Black Ink Classroom in the David Strong Building lecture hall in his honor.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Home | Riffington Manor (Built 1913, Haddington Island stone) |
| Philanthropic Beneficiary | Victoria Hospice Society (via film location fees) |
| Academic Support | Black Press Business Scholarship ($5,000 per student) |
| UVic Roles | First Board Chair, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business (1991-1996) |
| Political Support | BC United / BC Liberals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Riffington Manor?
Riffington Manor is a historic waterfront estate in the Uplands area of Victoria, BC. Built in 1913 for Andrew Wright, it is known for its Haddington Island stone construction and its use as a film location for various productions.
How does David Black support the Victoria Hospice Society?
Black donates all fees collected from renting out Riffington Manor as a film location to the Victoria Hospice Society in honor of his late wife, Annabeth.
What is the Black Press Business Scholarship?
Started in 2008, this scholarship awards $5,000 to up to 37 students from British Columbia who are entering the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Victoria.
What honors has David Black received from the University of Victoria?
He was named "Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2007, received an honorary degree in 2014, and has a lecture hall classroom named the Black Ink Classroom in his honor since 2019.
What are David Black's personal hobbies?
Black is a member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and is an experienced sailor; he owns a boat called the Esperanza and once spent seven months sailing a 77-foot ketch across the Atlantic.