Remembering Arthur Newcombe Bourns
A remembrance service and celebration of Arthur’s life will be held in the McMaster Divinity College Chapel on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at McMaster’s University Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to McMaster University or a charity of your choice.
Via the Globe and Mail:
Born December 8, 1919, to Evans and Kathleen Bourns in Petitcodiac, New Brunswick, and died May 29, 2015, in Burlington, Ontario. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marion (Blakney), whom he married in 1943, and his daughter Susan Milne (Bill). He is survived by three children, Barbara Brown (Douglas), Robert (Myra), and Brian (Elizabeth); 11 grandchildren, Christopher, Stephen, Jennifer, Michael, Tyson, Sarah, Amy, Annie, Colin, Timothy and Karen; and 14 great- grandchildren, Charlotte, Liam, Nathan, Shannon, Molly Marion, Maya, Sofi, Madison, Mason, Dawson, Emerson, Kenya, Ethan, and Evan. Arthur is survived by two siblings, Gordon (Phyllis) and Elinor Nicoll and was predeceased by his sister, Pauline Corey.
Emeritus Professor Dr. Bourns had a long and distinguished career at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, with which he was associated for 68 years. Following graduation from Acadia University, he studied at McGill University where, in 1944, he was awarded Ph.D. in Chemistry. Following a short research employment with the Dominion Rubber Company and teaching at the University of Saskatchewan, Arthur Bourns joined the Chemistry department at McMaster University in 1947 as Assistant Professor.
He taught at McMaster for 35 years and was an inspiring teacher and researcher. He was known internationally for his many contributions to physical organic chemistry as well as for providing leadership within the department that would develop into a top Canadian school. He was appointed full Professor in 1953 and served as Chairman of Chemistry.
In his role as Chairman, McMaster recognized a faculty leader with exceptional administrative skills. As well, he became known for his love for the students and high regard for the faculty members. He was appointed Dean of Graduate Studies for five years, briefly returning to the department chairmanship until the University underwent reorganization in 1967 and appointed Dr. Bourns as Vice-President, Science and Engineering.
In 1964, Dr. Bourns was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
In 1972, the University turned once again to Arthur Bourns, asking him to succeed Dr. Harry Thode as McMaster President, a role in which he was to demonstrate exceptional administrative capabilities, providing strong leadership during a time which was difficult for university presidents. He served as President, 1972-1980 and left an indelible imprint. He was known to be fair-minded and possessed a breadth of understanding and concern as the University grew and dealt with the associated demands. At the beginning of his presidency, the University was into its third year developing its-now-renowned medical school, for which he was instrumental in fostering strong faculty appointments.
During this period, he served as a member of the National Research Council of Canada (1969-1975), and on its Executive Committee, then, following, as member of the new Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Within these two national agencies, he brought his capabilities to bear on their important roles in funding university research in Canada. In addition, he served on the Editorial Board of Science Forum and with the Ontario Committee on University Affairs, each for five years. Further, with his inexhaustible energy, in 1974, he was elected to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. These appointments spoke so highly of the respect that his Canadian colleagues had for his qualified capabilities.
In 1975, The Chemical Institute of Canada awarded the prestigious Montreal Medal to Arthur Bourns for his devotion to promoting chemistry in Canadian universities and his involvement with The Institute. As a teacher and researcher, he demonstrated high integrity for his students, and he could often be found working with them in the laboratory, providing individual attention and guidance. His well-developed lecturing technique, combined with a particularly- effective use of the blackboard, enabled him to make his subject come alive.
In 1982, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. As a result of his distinguished academic career, Dr. Bourns was awarded five honorary degrees.
Following the presidency, Arthur Bourns brought his capabilities to a number of scientific and educational bodies, acting as scientific and educational advisor to governments in Canada and abroad. From 1985 to 1992, he served as chairman of the International Advisory Panel – Canada, US, Britain – advising the Chinese government and university officials on the development of China’s universities. In 1985, he was appointed honorary professor at China’s Jiangxi University.
In 2012, Dr. Arthur Bourns was honoured by the McMaster Alumni Association and awarded Honorary Membership.
A remembrance service and celebration of Arthur’s life will be held in the McMaster Divinity College Chapel on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at McMaster’s University Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to McMaster University or a charity of your choice.
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