The Loss of Two Retired Professors

The Loss of Two Retired Professors

by Ronnie Neiman

The university has announced the sad passing of two professors. 

Dr. Robert K. (Bob) Springer has passed away, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geology. Dr. Springer passed away on Friday, Sept. 16 at the age of 78.He began his career at Brandon University in 1971 and served until his retirement in 2005. Colleagues remember Dr. Springer as a fantastic educator with a students-first mentality and a strong skill set in field geology.

John C. B. English, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at the age of 85. English joined BU in 1987 as a faculty member in the post-diploma Bachelor of Science in Mental Health (BScMH) program and served the University until his retirement in 2005. He later taught in the four-year Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN) program, which initially was housed in the Faculty of Science. When the School of Health Studies was established in 1997, English, along with his colleagues, constituted the core members of the newly founded School. English is remembered by his colleagues as well-liked by students and an encouraging mentor to fellow faculty members. 

Despite their retirement more than a decade ago, they had been an important part of the university. 

More complete memorials are found on Brandon University’s website. As I had not none these professors, or been part of their departments, it did not feel right to write a comprehensive obituary on the two when there are students and staff from 2005 who are far closer to the two retired professors our university community has lost.

The university campus flags will fly at half-mast during this mourning period.