Obituaries
(May 18, 2000, Gazette)
Dr. Murray Brooker
The university community mourned the death of Dr. Murray Brooker, Chemistry, on May 3, 2000. Dr. Brooker joined the faculty in 1972 and was extremely active in all facets of teaching, research, and service to the local and academic communities. Dr. Brooker was an internationally-recognized expert in the application of Raman spectroscopy to the study of molten salts and solutes in aqueous solutions. This branch of chemistry uses small changes in the properties of scattered laser light to determine the motion of atoms in molecules, and the interactions between neighbouring molecules in solids and liquids. Originally trained as a high school teacher before he returned to university for his PhD, Dr. Brooker had a long-term interest and involvement with science education and promotion. For many years he organized the Chemistry Open House and National Chemistry Week in St. John’s and was a frequent visitor to local high schools to give Chemistry Magic Shows. He was an active member of the community at large who participated enthusiastically in many sports, especially hockey, and was heavily involved in his children’s activities. He is survived by his wife Gwen, his children Murray Jr., Jenny, Cathy and Kristina, and his six grandchildren. The family has established a memorial scholarship in his honour. Donations may be made to The Murray Brooker Scholarship for Excellence in Chemistry, (MUN/Murray Brooker Scholarship Fund) and mailed to the Director, Alumni Affairs and Development, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NF. Canada, A1C 5X7.
Dr. Arthur Raymond Lundrigan
Arthur Raymond Lundrigan passed peacefully away May 8, 2000, at the Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook. Born in Blaketown, Dr. Lundrigan quickly became involved in the family business, one of the province’s best known businesses. He was granted an honorary degree from Memorial in 1981. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lundrigan Stroke and Rehabilitation Fund c/o Western Memorial Hospital Foundation, Box 2005, Corner Brook, A2H 6J7.
Canon George Halden Earle
Canon George Earle, a respected clergyman and author of Newfoundland folklore, died May 10, 2000. Born in Change Islands, Canon Earle studied at Memorial College, Queen’s College and the University of Durham, England. In addition to his role as a cleric, Canon Earle was a major figure in education in the province, serving as principal of Memorial’s Queen’s College from 1957 to 1965, and then provost of Queen’s until his retirement in 1979. Canon Earle was awarded an honorary degree from Memorial in 1979.