The Faculty of Science mourns the loss of Geoffrey Power, former Biology department chair and one of the department's founders.
In his obituary, his family shared how his strong connection to the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science shaped both him and the Faculty. He joined Waterloo in 1957 as the very first biologist on staff and over the next few decades he was instrumental in creating the Biology department curriculum, even serving as interim Chair of the department for four years. Although he held various leadership positions, at heart, he loved his work as a fisheries biologist the most.
Geoffrey and his wife Ann also created the Ann & Geoffrey Power Award, a scholarship that awards $2500 to an undergraduate Biology student. It is awarded to a student with great academic achievement combined with a demonstrated interest and/or extracurricular involvement in the study of vertebrates, their ecology and conservation.
His memory is felt throughout the department and those he used to work with. Some of those former colleagues shared their memories with us:
Geoff was a fountain of wisdom and worked tirelessly with undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty colleagues to solve problems both large and small. His interaction with students (whether or not he was their supervisor) was of the highest order. His interaction with colleagues, especially new faculty, was hugely beneficial and deeply appreciated. His research gained international recognition and he consistently brought honour and distinction to his department, his Faculty and the University of Waterloo over the years. He was an excellent colleague, researcher, teacher, and a wonderful friend. He will be deeply missed by a broad constituency.
-John Thompson
Geoff was a good friend and mentor to me for over 50 years. I met Geoff in the UK when completing my PhD in early 1963 and his personality and enthusiasm convinced me that Waterloo was the place for me. In August 1963, I joined the four founding members of the Biology Department: Geoff Power, Paul Morrison, Ron Eydt, and Bill Innis. We taught a full slate of courses for nearly two years until Noel Hynes arrived as the first Chair of Biology in 1964. The University and the Faculty of Science owe a great deal to Geoff, who carried Biology in its early years and continued as a leading researcher, teacher, and mentor until his retirement.
Geoff’s extensive research record will always be associated with the Matamek Research Station in Northeast Quebec, starting in the late 60s. The research focused on the Atlantic Salmon fishery in the region and the productivity of lakes and rivers that support the fishery. Geoff’s vision and leadership were instrumental in the research and training of many fishery biologists and limnologists, several of whom became leaders in their field and are still active to this day.
-Hamish Duthie