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John Climenhaga Obituary


CLIMENHAGA, John Leroy Born on Nov. 7, 1916, at Delisle, Saskatchewan, Dr. John L. Climenhaga died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 27, 2008. Predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Grace (Garratt), he is survived by his wife Ila, daughter Joan Millar (Garth) of Victoria and son David Climenhaga (Luanne) of St. Albert, Alberta, his grandchildren Kathryn Robin Climenhaga and Lily Maeve Climenhaga of St. Albert, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by Ila's children, Allan (Sue) Buffam and Melody (David) Swanson, and grandchildren Laura Buffam and Eric Buffam. John was awarded a B.A. Honours degree in Physics and Mathematics in 1945 and an M.A. in Physics in 1949 from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1949, he joined the faculty of Victoria College, which in 1963 became the University of Victoria. At Victoria College, while teaching physics, he began research in astronomy at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich, work that would lead to a M.A. in astronomy and, in 1960, to a PhD from the University of Michigan. As Head of the Physics Department at Victoria College and UVic, a position he held until 1969, John was an effective advocate of the college's transition to a university. He campaigned for the creation of a program in Astronomy, which became reality in 1965. In the early 1970s, he championed UVic's participation in TRIUMF, the Tri-University Meson Facility located at UBC and oversaw expansion of research efforts at UVic. In 1969, he became the university's Dean of Arts and Science, a position he held through a turbulent period until 1972. He was remembered by his colleagues for his fair-minded and consistently honest approach to resolving conflicts. In 1972 and 1973, he spent a sabbatical carrying out research and teaching in Japan, South Africa and Poland. After his retirement in 1982, John was honoured by the establishment of a scholarship in his name for a senior student in physics or astronomy. The same year, the observatory on the roof of UVic's Elliott Building was named the Climenhaga Observatory. During retirement, John continued to teach for twelve years, and gave many popular talks on astronomy in the community. On his 70th birthday, he was honoured by the International Astrophysical Union when it assigned the name Climenhaga to an eightkilometre asteroid (Minor Planet 3034 Climenhaga), which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. In 1996, UVic granted him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. John was a man of faith, loved and respected by his family and his friends. He was known for his steadfastness, and for his commitment to his family, his church and his friends and colleagues. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Brian Pound, and to Angela, Addey, John, and Halil for their compassionate care and support to John and Ila at the end of John's life. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday June 3, 2008, at 1:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road. If desired, donations may be made in John's memory to the John L. Climenhaga Scholarship, c/o the University of Victoria Development Office, PO Box 3060, Victoria, V8W 3R4. 472678
Published by The Times Colonist from May 31 to Jun. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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8 Entries

Rein Nienaber

June 6, 2008

I will never forget the generosity of John and Grace to our family. I have fond memories of visits to the Climenhaga homes in Oakland, Oak Bay (where we were close neighbours) and Gordon Head. John was a very positive role model in my youth and in adulthood.
I treasure my friendship with Joan and David that has survived the years, and offer my sincere condolences. John will be missed.

Keith Climenhaga

June 4, 2008

I was saddned to hear of my father's cousin passing away. He was a model to our family to pursue a secondary education. I condolences go to both my second cousins, David and Joan, and his wife, Ila.

George Heyd

June 2, 2008

I was sad to hear of John's passing. I pray that you will feel God's strength and comfort as you mourn his death.
John was Chairman of the UVic Physics Dept when I was studying there, and his love of physics and astronomy was more than obvious. I remember one evening when Wilf Nienaber and I apparently had nothing better to do, we went to John's house to ask him a question that had arisen as we observed the stars that evening (Wilf assured me that this visit would be welcomed). John did welcome us graciously and enjoyed hearing our question and discussing it with us. This was one of my first examples of seeing the passion that teachers should have for their discipline and was an influence on me as I went on to a career in teaching Science.

Fred Nienaber

June 1, 2008

John and Grace were among my parents' most cherished friends and I also recall many visits to their Oak Bay home, enjoying their wonderful hospitality. Even as a teenager, I respected and admired John's strength of character and quiet commitment to his Christian faith.

Joan and David, I have only fond memories of our 'growing up' years, guided by your wonderful dad and mom.

May Christ's peace and the wonderful memories of your father sustain you during this time of sadness.

Willie Wall

June 1, 2008

Our families condolences to Ila, David and Joan. I fondly remember the early 1950's spending many Sunday afternoons at John's place.

May God's peace be with the family.

Debbie (nee Climenhaga) Loewen

May 31, 2008

So sorry to hear of Great Uncle John's passing. I am glad that my daugher & I were able to spend a few hours with him, Aunt Ila & Joan since our move to the Island but am saddened by the fact that I waited that much too long for my next visit. Just because Uncle John is gone doesn't mean that you won't see me again however! I look forward to another visit with you Aunt Ila & Joan.

John & E. May Miles

May 31, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Duane & dora Climenhaga

May 31, 2008

We were very sad to hear of Uncle John's passing, but are sure he is in a better place now. I (Duane) can remember visiting in Saskatoon when he was at the UofS and later in Victoria. My father (Evan) impressed upon us the importance of education and used Uncle John as an example of the opportunities afforded to those who followed this path. I was always impressed by Uncle John's humility and knowledge and enjoyed it when he and Aunt Grace were able to visit us at the farm in Delisle. I think the story is my father would like to have had the education but the opportunity wasn't there for him and Uncle John would have liked to farm but couldn't stand the uncertainties which that profession posed. Uncle John was the last person in that generation of the Rueban Climenhaga family, a family which were all kind and compassionate as well as inclusive. We as the next generation only hope to be able to pick up the gauntlet and continue to be good examples to all during our lifetime. We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to Ila, Joan and David and families at this sad time. May God be with you and comfort you.

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