John Angus

1934 - 2023

John was a scientist and educator. Born in Grand Haven Michigan in 1934, the eldest son of Francis and Margaret (Cotton) Angus, he had many childhood adventures with his brother Charles and varied employment experiences all before graduating from Grand Haven High School in 1951. He attended the University of Michigan, where by 1960 he had earned a Bachelor's, Master's and PhD in Chemical Engineering. In 1960 he married Caroline Gezon, and they began their life together in St. Paul Minnesota where John worked for the 3M Company on thermoelectric materials. In 1963 he joined the Chemical Engineering faculty of Case Institute of Technology, now Case Western Reserve University. John and Caroline raised their two children, Lorraine and Charles in Cleveland. The family was fortunate to spend sabbatical years when John was a visiting professor at the University of Edinburgh and Northwestern University. John's major research interests included metastable diamond synthesis, bulk growth of group III nitrides, applied thermodynamics, and electrochemical charge transfer to semiconductors. In 1968 John published the first paper on the low-pressure growth of diamond, having been the first person to indisputably do so. He subsequently pioneered the development of a new type of carbon hard films, used today as protective coatings for items such as hard drives and sunglasses. At the University, John was active in educational reform and worked to expand opportunities for women in Engineering. He served as Interim Dean of Engineering from 1986-1987. His many professional acknowledgements include being elected to the National Academy of Engineering and being a Fellow of both the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Electrochemical Society. He was a recipient of the Pioneer Award from the Electrochemical Society, an honorary ScD from Ohio University, an inductee to the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame and the recipient of the CWRU Hovorka Prize for exceptional achievements in teaching, research, and scholarly service. John continued to pursue research interests in retirement, publishing his final paper on electrostatic charging at 87. In addition to his academic achievements John was deeply involved with the Ohio Scottish Games, including serving as its Chairman for several years. John was preceded in death by his parents and wife Caroline. He is survived by his brother Charles (wife Laurel), children Lorraine and Charles (wife Shannon), grandchildren Rebecca and Theodore Hubish, and former son-in-law Sam Hubish. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Cindy Laux (Dave), brothers-in-law Donald Gezon (Patricia) and Bill Gezon (Kathy), beloved nieces and nephews as well as a host of wonderful friends, colleagues and students. His family would like to thank the staff at Judson Park, Judson Manor, and Judson Homecare for providing loving and attentive care during his final years. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 4 at Judson Manor, 1890 E. 107th St, Cleveland OH 44106. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring John with a contribution to the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, Inc (SACSO) c/o Pam Kilpatrick, Treasurer, 2750 Jameston Dr., Rocky River OH 44116. Arrangements by Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, Bedford, Ohio. www.johnsonromito.com