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Frederick A. Gornall
June 19, 1920 - December 21, 2014
BORN
June 19, 1920
DIED
December 21, 2014
Frederick Gornall Obituary
Predeceased by his spouse, Sylvia in 1983 and brothers Robert (1996), John (2001), William (2013), David (1989). Survived by son Fred (Delphine), granddaughter Cindy (Aaron) and great grandchildren: Bryce, Stephanie and Katelyn. Also survived by sister-in-law Marilyn Schulz and nephews and nieces: Cathy (Murray), Trish (Mark), Rob (Wendy), Donald (Shelly), Murray, Dennis (Judy), John (Carol), Ted (Candis), Paul (Valerie), Wayne, and Darryl. Many dear friends and associates will miss Fred.
As a member of St. Mary's Scout Troop in Oak Bay, Fred developed a love of nature and the outdoors. Fred was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy in World War II. Fred was involved with education as a high school teacher and principal. He was a professor at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Educational Sciences. His specialty was botany and flora. Species identification with scientific names was second nature to Fred. He established educational programs in East Africa. Fred travelled frequently, regularly, and extensively visiting over 140 countries including trips to the Canadian Arctic and to Antarctica. Fred would often combine his love of nature with his passion for education and it was evident that he shared this passion with his dear friends and relatives. He will be missed.
It was Fred's wish that a memorial service not be held. In lieu of flowers or a service, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Gornall
6 Entries
Daryl Poole
March 2, 2015
Uncle Fred will be remembered fondly and I'll smile when I think of him. We had many salmon fishing adventures together around Powell River and Rivers Inlet. He was a good man and a great Uncle. He enjoyed traveling with my Mom and Dad around the world and they took many trips together. On their canal boat trip in Europe they only had to fish him out of the canal once! Cheers my friend. Uncle Fred has "Gone Fishing".
Sandra Scott
February 3, 2015
Fred Gornall was my science education professor when I was a student in the UBC BEd programme in 1982. I remember his as a passionate, inspiring, knowledgeable, and kind master teacher. Professor Gornall generously shared his ethic of care for the Earth, and many of us continue his teachings with our own students today. Many thanks for being the "companion" who Rachel Carson writes of - the one who encouraged us to "rediscover the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."
Dr. D. and Ms. M. Worthing
February 2, 2015
We so enjoyed the many times being welcomed into Fred and Sylvia's home back in the '70's, and our times as students under Fred's watch at UBC, Faculty of Education. His counsel on matters of science education was erudite, attuned to the children's world.
On several occasions we explored various ecosystems of BC with Fred. We recall the spectacular early morning scenery canoeing the still turquoise waters of Tsaseko Lake with Fred and Freddy. On vehicular trips, given his mind was always focussed on the botanical life beyond the windscreen, truth be told, he was a dreadful driver, of which he'd never admit.
And we remember, as a botanist par excellence, one of Fred's particular interests was the berries of BC, of which he knew even the most rare (such as the only one in BC near Port Renfrew and another on a bend in the road ascending Manning Park alpine meadows). Fred never gave up on his desire to write a book on the berries of BC, for which Sylvia had drawn amazing sketches. Fred's delicious berry wines always seemed to loosen the tongue and laughs abounded. On visits to Victoria he'd kindly treat for a meal or have tea and cookies ready-at-hand. Visits always included stories of recent travels and travels pending. To be sure, a ‘rolling stone'.
Craig and Maureen Worthing
Pam Ratner
January 30, 2015
The UBC Faculty of Education was saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Gornall, Associate Professor
Emeritus of Mathematics and Science Education. Fred earned a BA and BEd from UBC in 1952 and 1957, respectively. He served as Chair of the Department of Science Education from 1972 to 1978 before retiring in 1983. The BC flag, on the UBC campus, will be lowered on Monday, February 2, in remembrance of Fred.
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Shelley Gornall
January 18, 2015
I will always remember Fred's curated collections, of seashells, pinecones and other traces of life. He could name any species we ever came across and he provided beautiful explanations of the workings of the biosphere. His fascination with biology and his extensive travels were inspiring to me. I'll miss you, Uncle Fred.
Lorne Nicolson
January 17, 2015
Fred is the last of that great team of science educators who prepared teachers to make a difference in the classroom. He and his colleagues launched hundreds on successful careers.
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