John STAGER

DR. JOHN STAGER Geography Professor Emeritus, UBC, died in Vancouver, October 10, 2018. Born May 23, 1928 in Preston, Ontario, John Kimberley Stager was Harold Kimberley and Mary Elizabeth Stagers' first child. The family fishing and camping trips flowed into his lifelong outdoor pursuits and fieldwork in the Arctic. He taught briefly in northern Ontario before completing a BA (McMaster) and a PhD (Edinburgh). Upon joining UBC in 1957, he focused on human interaction with the geography of the Arctic. He was a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and of the Arctic Institute of North America. John was a master teacher; consummate administrator, serving as Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies (1969-75) and Associate Dean of Arts (1975-90); and excelled as Director of Ceremonies (1985 until retirement in 1993). He received the President's Service Award of Excellence (UBC). Remembered for his wit, humour, and gentle irreverence, he is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Elizabeth Stager (nee Alexander). Married in Vancouver in 1964, their life together included extensive travels, visits to family in Ontario, and close relationships with many nieces, nephews and children of dear friends. Predeceased by brother, William in 2016; John is survived by sister, Elizabeth Ackford and brother, Charles Stager. A memorial service and reception will be held on November 3, 2018, at Knox United Church, 5600 Balaclava, Vancouver, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the UBC Geography Alumni Scholarship online at www.support.ubc.ca/john-stager, by calling 604-827-4111, or by mail at 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3.