Obituary of Garry Llewellyn Rempel

B.Sc., Ph.D., C.M., F.R.S.C., F.C.I.C.

University Professor, University of Waterloo

1944 – 2018

Garry passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener on Friday, November 2, 2018, at the age of 74.

Loving husband of Professor Flora Tak Tak Ng for 43 years.  Will be fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law Dr. Nam (Rosita) Ng, Dr. Hing Wai (Rebecca) Ng and sister-in-law Mary Ng (Dr. Terry Wu).  Dear uncle of Lillian Ng (Dr. Corey Lam), Angie Ng, Thomas Ng (Anne Poon) and Michael Wu.  Garry will also be missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

Garry received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia in 1968.  After a NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship at Imperial College, London, U.K., Garry joined the University of Waterloo in 1969 as an Assistant Professor and rose to the rank of Professor in 1980.  Garry was Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1988 to 1996. Garry’s research expertise is in the area of applied catalysis, polymer science and engineering.   In 2004, he received the prestigious title of University Professor.  During his tenure at the University of Waterloo, Garry received numerous awards and recognitions for his academic achievements and contribution to science and engineering.  His long list of accomplishments includes: Fellow, The Royal Society of Canada (1992), Vice-President, The Royal Society of Canada (2001-2003), President, Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Canada (2001-2003), and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal (2013).  In 2015, Garry was appointed to be a Member of the Order of Canada for contributions in education, research and industry in Canada.  Garry is a mentor, teacher and friend to many students and colleagues in Canada and internationally. He will be greatly missed.      

Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories of Garry with his family during visitation at the Trillium Lutheran Church (St. John’s Lutheran & Elevation Church), 22 Willow Street, Waterloo on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  The funeral service will be held in the Church at 11:00 a.m. on November 9, 2018.  A reception to celebrate Garry’s life will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener or St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.