In Memoriam – Dr. Gordon F. Chess

The third dean of Western Engineering, Gordon F. Chess, died at his residence in London Oct. 9, 2009. The 83-year-old had 33 years of service at Western when he retired in July 1991.

Chess led the Faculty of Engineering from 1978 – 1987. Under his direction, the Faculty saw many accomplishments including the formal launch of the Industry Internship Program and the grand opening of the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory.

Former student, colleague and friend, Peter Castle, Emeritus and Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, remembers Chess:

“I remember Gordon fondly. He, along with Stuart Lauchland, were the only two faculty members in the Electrical Group when I was here as an undergraduate student from 1957 to 1961,” says Castle.. “Later, after joining Western Engineering as a faculty member, I knew him as a colleague, friend and Dean.” Castle goes on to explain, “Although his military background gave him the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian, in fact he was a kindly gentleman who treated his students with affection and respect. On many occasions he opened his home to entertain student groups. He always encouraged them to gain broad life experience and for that reason the scholarship in his name is specifically targeted for students who participate in university and community affairs.”

A private family service will take place at St. John's Anglican Church, Arva. Memorial contributions to The University of Western Ontario for the Gordon Chess Scholarship held at Foundation Western or the Brain Tumor Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.

The Gordon Chess Scholarship is awarded to a student entering the third year in the Faculty of Engineering who have successfully completed the first two years of the Engineering program and exhibit broad interests and leadership qualities as demonstrated by participation in university and/or community activities. This award was established in 1993, in honour of Dr. Gordon F. Chess.

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.: Allison Stevenson
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