Dr. James Gordon Nelson, founder and first Director of the Heritage Resources Centre, renowned environmental scholar, and second Dean of the Faculty of Environment, passed away on May 11.
Dr. Nelson, born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1932, was a pioneer in resource development and environmental management. He made significant contributions to the study of land use, landscape change, public parks development, wild lands management, public involvement in planning and policymaking, and the impacts of offshore oil and gas development.
Educated at McMaster University, the University of Colorado, and Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Nelson taught at the University of Calgary and the University of Western Ontario before joining the University of Waterloo in 1975 as the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies. He served as Dean until 1983, fostering a culture of interdisciplinarity and community partnerships.
Dr. Nelson was a leading figure in Canadian geography, advising all levels of government and serving on numerous boards, including the National and Provincial Park Association of Canada and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. His research in the 1990s focused on the Great Lakes and the Grand River Watershed. He received numerous awards, including the Parks Canada National Heritage Award (1978), the Massey Medal (1993), and the Waterloo Region Environmental Award (1994).
After 22 years at Waterloo, Dr. Nelson retired in 1997, having supervised nearly 70 graduate students and having published several books. He was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 1998 and remained active in retirement, hosting talks and events. In 2004, Dr. Nelson received the National Rivers Conservation Award of Merit for his efforts to protect the Grand River.
His impact on the field and dedication to environmental stewardship will be remembered and celebrated. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.