Texte intégral
Dr. Ira NRC Researcher of Distinction On a sunny day in Ottawa after his daily walk and pre-supper martini Dr. Ira Puddington died unexpectedly but peacefully in his ninety-second year on Friday June 21, 2002. Devoted husband of the late Jean for forty-nine years. Caring father of Jim and the late Darol. Father-in-law of Deniz and doting grandfather of Jade and Troy. As a grammar school teacher he met his future wife, a colleague. He obtained a Bsc from Mount Allison University followed by a Masters and PhD in chemistry from McGill University. He joined the National Research Council Chemistry Division in 1938 sparking a 63 year career. The division's director from 1952 - 1974 when he retired, but continued research until 2001. Chemist, inventor, visionary, administrator and scientific mentor who brought benefit and distinction to Canada. He was an expert in oil and greases, selective agglomeration, colloidal suspensions and coagulation processes. He published hundreds of research papers, had 57 major inventions that generated 125 patents in 19 countries. Ira Puddington received honourary Doctorates of Science from Mount Allison University (1967), Carleton University (1975) and Memorial University (1977). For scientific excellence in chemistry he was awarded the Montreal Medal (1971) and the R.S. Jane Prize (1975) by the Chemical Institute of Canada of which he was president in 1967. In 1984 the American Institute of Chemists honoured him with their "Chemical Pioneer Award" and in 1986 NRC named him "Researcher Emeritus". In a marvelous ceremony on May 31, 2002 NRC honoured him by naming the M12 Chemistry Complex the "I.E. Puddington Building". As one of Canada's leading scientists, Ira Puddington was a son of New Brunswick, a Maritimer and a worthy Canadian held in deep affection by all who knew him which he reciprocated in kind. Friends may visit at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Tuesday June 25th from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday June 26th from 7 to 9 p.m. No services by personal request. Donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. The Ottawa Citizen, 22-06-2002