The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast in remembrance of Dr. George Stuart Pemberton, Distinguished University Professor and C.R. Stelck Chair in Petroleum Geology, Faculty of Science and Mitchell Ormann, Electrical Engineering student in the Faculty of Engineering.
George Stuart Pemberton
Dr. Stuart George (George) Pemberton passed away unexpectedly August 04, 2018, after battling illness for several years. George is survived by his wife Teresa, his daughters Sarah and Erin, and his son Joshua, a family to which he was utterly devoted. In discussions with him regarding life, family and his pursuit of science, George would smile and talk of a life well lived. He confided to many of those close to him that as a young man, he never expected to live so full and satisfying a life. To him, his family was all, and he was ever so generous as to include the students he mentored into that privileged space.
George was born Dec. 3, 1948 in Preston, Lancashire, England, by his account in a flat above a pub, to Ethel Mary Pemberton and George Edgar Pemberton. He emigrated to Canada with his family in about 1949 and became a Canadian citizen in 1958. George completed a BSc. (Honours) in Geology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1972, and a MSc. in Geology and a Ph.D in Geology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1976 and 1979, respectively. He married Teresa Lynn (née Joyce) Pemberton on March 4, 1978 in Hamilton, before packing everything they owned and moving to Athens, Georgia, USA to take up an academic posting at the University of Georgia. George started as a temporary visiting instructor (1978–1979) in the Department of Geology, and later was hired as an Assistant Professor (1979– 1981). There, he received both the Teacher of the Year Award (1979–1980) and Professor of the Year Award (1980–1981) in the Department of Geology, voted by the undergraduate students and graduate students, respectively. George accepted the offer of a position at the University of Georgia in order to work closely with two of his scientific idols — Dr. Robert W. Frey and Dr. James D. Howard. He regarded his collaboration with Bob Frey to be one of the highlights of his career, and he developed a close friendship with him until Bob’s death in 1992.
George returned to Canada in 1981 to take up a post as an Assistant Research Officer (1981–1982) and later, Associate Research Officer (1983–1984) at the Alberta Research Council in Edmonton, Alberta. His desire, however, was to be an educator and supervise graduate student research. He left the research council in 1984 when an academic posting was offered at the University of Alberta, also in Edmonton. There, he took up the position of Associate Professor from 1984–1987, and was promoted to Professor in 1987. During his time as Professor, he held a Canada Tier 1 Research Chair in Petroleum Geology (2002–2009), was elevated to Distinguished University Professor (2009), the highest level the U of A offers to academic faculty, and held the C.R. Stelck Chair in Petroleum Geology from 2013 until his passing.
George served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Copenhagen (1984), the University of Reading (1991), the University of Brunei Darussalam (2003), and the Universidad Venezolana de los Hidrocarburos PDVSA Exploración y Producción INTEVEP Los Teques, Venezuela (2011, 2012, 2013). He was a visiting scientist at Exxon Production Research at Houston, Texas (1992), Arco Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska (1998), Shell Canada, Calgary, Alberta (2002) and B.P. Trinidad, Port of Spain, Trinidad (2004).
George would often cite Bernard of Chartres, when speaking of his academic heroes — “We are like dwarves perched on the shoulders of giants, and thus we are able to see more and farther than the latter. And this is not at all because of the acuteness of our sight or the stature of our body, but because we are carried aloft and elevated by the magnitude of the giants”. George, of course, was far too humble to consider it so, but for those of us who knew him, respected him, and loved him, he WAS such a giant upon whose shoulders we stood perched — and standing there, we do see very far, indeed!
A Celebration of Life will be held at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada on Saturday, Sept. 29th, 2018 from 2–4pm. Information about the event can be found on the Department of Earth Science’s website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by cheque to the IIA George Pemberton Scholarship sent to Dr. Erin Pemberton (send to erin.a.pemberton@gmail.com for the address) or Dr. Gabriela Mángano (Dept. Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 114 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada).
The above photo and excerpt were originally published by Society for Sedimentary Geology in a message from James A. MacEachern and Murray K. Gingras. You can read the full message in tribute to George here.Society for Sedimentary Geology in a message from James A. MacEachern and Murray K. Gingras. You can read the full message in tribute to George here.
Mitchell Ormann
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Mitchell Ormann on September 20, 2018 after a long battle with depression at the age of 22 years. Mitchell was a loving son and brother, who accomplished many things in his short life. A strong academic, musician and sportsman; Mitchell was valedictorian of his 2014 class and was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal; set a lifetime achievement of 94 Olds Rapids Swim Club records; received numerous provincial medals in sports; maintained high academic standing in Engineering at the University of Alberta and played piano with amazing grace.
Mitchell shared a special bond with every family member and his friends. Mitchell is lovingly remembered by his mom Lisa, dad Todd and sister Taylor. Also left to honour Mitchell and remember his love are family: Grandpa Rudy and Grandma Jean Ormann; Grandpa Vaughan and Grandma Marilyn Hembroff; Uncle Troy and Auntie Julie Ormann and cousins Brayden and Cole Ormann; Uncle Tyson and Auntie Veronica Ormann and cousins Makenna and Hailee Ormann; Auntie Tracy Hembroff and Auntie Lou Donato; Uncle Scott Hembroff; Uncle Brad and Auntie Trudy Hembroff and cousin Nicole.
Mitchell prided himself on being a good friend and was graciously supported by his friends Brian Henderson, Moona D’Souza, Coleton Harris, Ben Flanders, Cassandra Jurome, Nathan Stayer, Naanak Sodhi, Sarah Darling, Valentina Mejia, Stephen Myers, Amy Wen, Jenny Webber and Austin Waldron.
Mitchell was strong and fought a courageous battle until the end. He will be fondly remembered as a “nice guy” with a big smile and always lending a helping hand. Quoting one of his favorite lines from his favorite characters in Final Fantasy. . . ”Live. You’ll be my living legacy. My honor, my dreams. . . They’re yours now. . . ”
A celebration of his life will beheld on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the Olds College Alumni Centre. The family would like to thank everyone (family, friends, neighbours and community) for all the incredible support they received. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division.
And remember Mitchell…..Be Safe!
The above obituary and photo were originally published by Heartland Funeral Services.Heartland Funeral Services.
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.In Memoriam webpage.