The Department Remembers Dr. Don Steele
Don Steele, one of our emeritus faculty passed away on Saturday evening. Don was hired in 1962 and retired in 1998; 36 yrs of service to the Department of Biology and Memorial University. Don’s research specialization was marine amphipods and he had, at least, 79 publications in his career.
Needless to say, Don had a tremendous impact on our Department and beyond through his teaching, research and service. He was certainly a fixture in our Department, even long after his retirement, and will certainly be missed.
Here is the Obituary:
"Passed away on March 16, 2013 at the Health Sciences Centre, in the presence of his loving son and daughter-in-law. He is predeceased by his wife Dr. Vladis (Julie), to whom he had been married for more than 40 years. Leaving to mourn and celebrate his life, his only son Sean "Teddy," daughter-in-law Wendy (Easton); and three grandsons: Christopher, Ryan and Matthew.
Born in London, Ontario, in 1932 he went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Western and a Ph.D. from McGill. Don was Professor Emeritus of Biology at Memorial University where he taught from 1962 until he retired in 1998. Don was dedicated to environmental issues. He volunteered or served on countless committees and studies. He also worked tirelessly for the protection, preservation and the sustainable use of resources. Don served as President and/or executive board member for numerous organizations including: The Avalon Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Natural History Society ofNewfoundland and Labrador, Quidi Vidi I Rennies River Development Foundation, Friends of Pippy Park, Fluvarium, CPAWS and MUNPA. He received awards for his work including the Tulk-Walters Award and the Earth Day Hometown Hero Award. Don was an avid bird watcher and in recent years was an active member of the Newfoundland Writers' Guild and the Memoirs Group at Memorial University.
The positive impacts of Don's lifelong environmental stewardship activism will live on for generations. Visitation will take place at Carnell's Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Thursday March 21,2013 at 2 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of one's choice. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guestbook, please visit www.carnells.com".