Contributions to the tribute of Professor Emil O. Frind

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023

It is with lots of sadness that I read Nilson’s message on LinkedIn informing us that Pr. Emil O. Frind had passed away on Christmas Eve 2022. Pr. Frind was pioneer in numerical modeling of complex groundwater systems. Emil became my Ph.D. advisor in 1989 and I learned so much from him. I am one of the lucky ones that developed finite element models from scratch, and I still use such expertise to teach to my students at Polytechnique Montreal. I was reviewing my course notes last night, and Emil was cited everywhere! Emil made me surpass myself. He also made me discover Germany right after the opening of the wall. I travelled with him to assess environmental conditions in the former Democratic Republic of Germany and the experience was unique, something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Emil also introduced me to other German universities such as that of Stuttgart and Tübingen where offered seminars at various occasions. Emil also made me attend USEPA commissions on numerical modeling. Hence, Emil was extremely demanding but at the same time caring for his student and their career by making them meet with international researchers in the field. I will always remember my nice talks at Emil’s office after 10:00 PM. Yes, it was the best time to meet with him. He was very calm and was taking the time to explain me complex finite-element equations. Emil also introduced me to his family, and I had lots of exchanges with his son Michael and his wife Rosemary. I even stayed at their place after I had returned to Montreal. Over the years, Emil became a friend for whom I had lost of respect. The last time I had an interaction with Emil was last year when I wrote him a long Email indicating him how grateful I felt having had him as my Ph.D. thesis advisor as I was using lots of his material to teach at Polytechnique Montreal. I want to express my sincere condolences to Rosemary and Michael. Yes, Emil will be missed but at the same time, he will be remembered for all his work that he conducted and published. He will also be remembered by his former students like Nilson, myself and many others that he mentored and supervised over the years. Emil, teaching my Contaminant Transport course will be different this year because every lecture will remind me all that I learned from you! Emil, I wish you to rest in peace after so many years of hard and caring work, you really deserve it.... Sincerely, Denis

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R. Allan Freeze posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

I have known Emil professionally and personally for over 50 years. I am saddened by his loss. He was a kind and gentle man, and a brilliant mathematician, whose hydrogeological contributions are valued around the world. We will miss him.

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Bob & Lani Mavin posted a condolence

Friday, January 13, 2023

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Emil Frind. I worked in the public sector for a lot of years and recall Emil attending Councils at both the Region and City of Waterloo. He had a great sense of humour, and spoke in a down to earth conversational way so that even a public servant like myself could understand. Best of all, he would also attend public meetings on municipal finances and budgets where he would lobby for funding that he preferred. Always charming, always cheerful, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. We may have had disagreements on policy or on the distribution of finances but it was done in his style where parties can disagree but leave on good terms. He did an awful lot for this Region and for this City. I was a great admirer of his. Our condolences to the Frind family.

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Jean Madeline Richardson posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

My condolences to Dr Frind's family on your loss. He contributed so much to the science of hydrology and groundwater management as it developed in the 80s-0-s and 2000's. He will be missed!

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Andrei Zawadzki posted a condolence

Monday, January 9, 2023

I have fond memories of Dr. Frind having attended the excellent undergraduate and graduate modeling courses he taught back in 1993/1994. He was a great professor, and I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to take his classes. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

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Jeff Bain posted a condolence

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Emil was a co-supervisor of mine about 30 years ago. As others have said for themselves, his input into my education was a big part of my current success. I'll miss seeing Emil on his strolls from home to campus. Those strolls must have been great thinking and relaxation time for him right up into his late 80s. My condolences to his family.

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Paul Martin posted a condolence

Thursday, January 5, 2023

For me, and I am sure many other students, Emil was much more than a professor or thesis advisor. He was a strong and effective mentor. He was a friend, and he was a father figure. Professionally, he congratulated me on achievements, he asked the tough questions that I sometimes dreaded but now know needed to be asked, and he pushed me to continue to improve. His mentorship did not end when I graduated, but has continued throughout my career, up until just a few months ago. His fortitude, determination and commitment to protecting our drinking water resources and natural environment will guide me through the remainder of my career. Thanks Emil!

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The family of Professor Emil O. Frind uploaded a photo

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Professor Emil O. Frind

1932 - 2022