The Trent University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. George Connell. Dr. Connell, renowned Canadian biochemist who served as president of both Western University and the University of Toronto, was a founding advisor to Trent University, advising on the establishment of Trent’s science program and curriculum. The University awarded him an honorary degree in 1984.

Below is an excerpt from his obituary:

GEORGE EDWARD CONNELL, OC, PhD, LLD, FRSC (June 20, 1930 - March 13, 2015) – Died peacefully in his 85th year in Toronto. He began his long association with the University of Toronto as an undergraduate studying biochemistry. During an academic career that lasted more than 30 years, he published over 50 scientific papers and held increasingly senior positions at U of T, leaving in 1977 to serve as president of the University of Western Ontario. His public service contributions included the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, the McLaughlin Foundation, the International Standards Organization, the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Memorial service on Friday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the CHURCH OF ST. SIMON- THE-APOSTLE, 525 Bloor Street East (east of Sherbourne Street). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through

www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com

The University extends heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Connell’s family and friends, and to all who knew him at Trent University. In honour of Dr. Connell’s contributions to Trent, the University has lowered the flag atop the Bata Library to the half-mast position.