The groundwater community is mourning the recent passing of Dr. Emil Frind, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Groundwater Modelling from the University of Waterloo’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at the age of 90.
Dr. Frind pioneered the field of quantitative groundwater science and was a leader in the development of modelling methodologies for groundwater processes.
“Emil Frind was an exceptional scientist and a true gentleman. I fondly remember how, shortly after I arrived in Waterloo, he took me aside and patiently explained the challenges and caveats of modelling well capture zones in real-world groundwater systems.” — Philippe Van Cappellen, Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Ecohydrology
Dr. Emil O. Frind, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Groundwater Modelling
Born in Germany, Frind received a BSc in Civil Engineering (1966), an MSc in Hydrology (1967) and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (1971) from the University of Toronto.
Hired by the late Dr. Robert Farvolden, Dr. Frind came to the University of Waterloo as a hydrogeologist and groundwater modeller in 1971 where he excelled as a researcher, teacher and mentor. He was a core member of the groundwater group helping to make the groundwater program one of the most highly respected in the world.
“Professor Frind trained and motivated generations of hydrogeologists in the art of groundwater modelling and his brilliance as a groundwater scientist was only surpassed by his kind and patient devotion to his students, colleagues, and friends. Emil’s dedication to the advancement of hydrologic science for the betterment of the human condition had such a deep impact on all of us who were fortunate enough to have worked closely with him.” — David Rudolph, Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences Department
His career honours included: the University of Waterloo Distinguished Teacher Award (1998), the Grand River Conservation Authority Watershed Award (2014), the Robert N. Farvolden Award (2007), the University of Toronto Hall of Distinction Award (2015) and a Life Member Award from the US National Ground Water Association (2007).
Dr. Frind was the author of hundreds of journal articles and professional reports and was recognized as a Thomson-Reuters Highly Cited Researcher in the fields of Ecology/Environment and Engineering. He served as editor for several journals including the Journal of Hydrology, Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Canadian Water Resources Journal and Advances in Water Resources.
Even after retirement, he continued to publish and mentor graduate students. In recent years, his work also focused on source water protection and water sustainability, both vital issues as water resources become stressed due to growth, pollution, and climate change. He worked with the Region of Waterloo to develop a strategy for the sustainable use of local groundwater as a drinking water source, saving taxpayers billions in infrastructure costs.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Rosemarie and son Michael. Please see the family tribute for more information and forthcoming details on a celebration of life.