McMaster community remembers Arthur Bourns

President Emeritus Arthur Bourns has died. He was 95.

Bourns served as President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster from 1972 to 1980, and also as professor, dean, department chair and vice-president at various times throughout his remarkable career.

An inspiring teacher and researcher internationally known for his contributions to physical organic chemistry, he left a lasting mark on campus.

“Arthur Bourns committed much of his life to McMaster, and our University is a much better place because of it,” said McMaster President Patrick Deane.

“During his 35 years as professor, department chair, dean, vice-president, President and Vice-Chancellor, and in recent years as President Emeritus, Arthur inspired a generation of students, faculty and staff. His lasting presence is evident across campus, around Hamilton and throughout Canada and the world. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time, and we join them in celebrating a wonderful man who lived a wonderful life.”

Born in 1919 at Petitcodiac, New Brunswick, Bourns was educated in chemistry at Acadia and McGill universities and began his teaching career at Acadia and Saskatoon.

He continued on to McMaster, where he worked for 35 years. Bourns demonstrated strong leadership as President of McMaster during the 1970s — a tumultuous time for higher education.

A researcher and administrator greatly admired by colleagues around the world, Bourns was appointed to many international scientific and educational bodies during his career.

He was prominent in National Research Council of Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1985.

From 1985 to 1992, he acted as chairman of the International Advisory Panel in China and became an honorary professor at China’s Jiangxi University in 1989.

Bourns played major roles, as both a professor and administrator, in making McMaster one of the strongest and best universities in Canada.

He was a clear candidate for honorary membership in the McMaster Alumni Association, and was inducted during the 125th anniversary year of the University in 2012.