Obituary of Ward Neale

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Ward Neale. He leaves behind his loving wife Roxie of 57 years, sons Rick and Curtis (Tina) and grandchildren Adam and Kelsey Neale; brother Ron (Kaye) Neale and sister Ruth (Rupert) Giddy. He was predeceased by his brother Jack Neale. Ward was born in Beaconsfield, PQ. After war service with the Royal Canadian Navy, Ward studied earth science at McGill University (B.Sc. 1949) and Yale University (Ph.D. 1952). He soon made his mark with several eminent and innovative scientific studies, including stimulating interpretations of the history of the openings and closings of the Atlantic Ocean. Ward had many talents, especially in the recruiting and leadership of teams of brilliant young scientists and as a catalyst, spearheading national programs for the public awareness of science. His scientific career alternated between the Geological Surveys of Canada and Memorial University of Newfoundland, with his university career culminating in very effective service as Memorial’s Vice-President (Academic). His national scientific leadership included terms as President of the Canadian Geoscience Council and as President of the Geological Association of Canada. Numerous honours included honorary degrees from the University of Calgary and from Memorial University, appointment to the Order of Canada and to the Royal Society of Canada, the Bancroft Medal Award from the Royal Society and the Ambrose Medal and the Neale Medal from the Geological Association of Canada The latter medal was established to recognize outstanding achievements in the public awareness of earth science and named the Ward Neale Medal, a very special honour indeed. After retirement in 1987 Ward became very active in public awareness of science in the Calgary area schools and worked out of the Geological survey offices in Calgary. He was a member of the Seniors, Skrastins and Evergreen hiking and cross country ski clubs. He regularly participated in the Edmonton Canadian Birkebeiner ski race and was the oldest particpant in the Lake Louise Loppet in 2008. He was a regular in the Alberta Wilderness Calgary Tower climb and was the leading fund raiser in the recent climb in spring 2008. He was also very active in the Unitarian Church. Ward made a lasting impression on everyone he met or worked with and over the years was a mentor to many of his students and colleagues. A Private Family Service will be held. A Memorial Service will be held on June 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Alberta Room at the Dining Centre, University of Calgary. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or to the the E.R.W. Neale Undergraduate Scholarship of The G.A.C. (Newfoundland Section)http://www.mun.ca/earthsciences/undergrad/Scholarships.php. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ward Neale, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296