Obituary of Professor Ernest John Michael KENDALL

B.Sc., Ph.D., P.Eng., FInstP

December 17, 1936 – Birmingham, United Kingdom

October 22, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

John passed away at 82 and will be remembered for his generous and welcoming nature, his positive and adventurous approach to life, his ability to see the best in everyone, his incredible stamina and indefatigable nature. As an educator, academic, supporter of the arts, and outdoor enthusiast, he had a positive impact on the lives of so many people. John, we will miss you and your lovely smile. We will love you forever.

John attended the University of Birmingham, earning a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. He started his academic career lecturing in the UK before immigrating to Canada in 1964, where he established the Physics Department at Lakehead University in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). In 1970, John moved to the University of Calgary starting as a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, later becoming the Head of Computer Science and then the Dean of Science.

His research is notable for its breadth, including work on electronics, computer memory devices, expert systems and instrumentation for pipeline flowmeters. As an audiophile, his research even influenced his hobby of making music systems. He published numerous papers in scientific journals, wrote three books, and was awarded a number of patents. John’s passion for education was recognized through a number of teaching awards. His early interest in composing and conducting in England led to his involvement in the Calgary arts scene, volunteering as President of the Calgary Regional Arts Foundation and Festival Calgary, and later serving on the Boards of the Canadian Music Centre and the Friends of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

John was a lifelong competitive runner, participating in many Mother’s Day Road Races with the family and an avid skier, volunteering on the Sunshine Village Ski Patrol in the 1970s. We will all remember his enjoyment of classical music, daily walks with Annie Hall at the dog park and his James Bond martinis.

John is survived by his wife, Judi, and their children, Michael (Freya), Robert (Barbara), Amanda (Kevin), and Anouk, his grandchildren, Hannah, Sabine, Dexter, Lucy, Molly, and Oliver, and the family dogs, Annie Hall, McIntosh and Chucho.

A private family service has already taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the University of Calgary’s JOHN KENDALL DOCTORAL THESIS AWARD fund through Development and Alumni Engagement at 403.210.6239 or by visiting https://netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/JohnKendallAward.

A special thank you to all the staff at Chartwell Eau Claire for their exceptional care of John and all of us, especially the staff on the fifth floor. A thank you to Dr. Brienne Tappay, resident physician.

A tree will be planted in living memory of John Kendall. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.