ROBERT DICKSON CONNOR

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ROBERT (ROBIN) DICKSON CONNOR 1922 - 2017 Robin Connor passed away peacefully at the Charleswood Care Centre on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the age of 94. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife, family, colleagues, and friends for his wisdom, kindness and enduring interest in the knowledge of the ages. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Sylvia, his sons, David (Kathy), and Graham (Linda), and his five grandsons, Cameron, Malcolm (Belinda), Iain (April), Ryan (Dora), and Colin (Francesca), and one great-granddaughter, Elouise. As well, relatives of his first wife, Sheila (who passed away in February 1982), fondly remember him - Joan and Danny Murphy, Anne and John Wilson, Colin and Elizabeth Mackenzie, and Penny Mackenzie. Robin was also loved by Sylvia's family - son David, and daughters, Marsha, Sally, and Judy and their spouses and children. He was a beloved 'grandpa' to them. Robin was born in Edinburgh on May 15, 1922 to Robert and Jane Connor. His father, Robert, died from pneumonia when Robin was almost 10 on the very day when his sister was born. Being the oldest of the children, he became the responsible father-figure for his younger siblings, Alexander (Alec) and Elizabeth (Bessie). As an outcome of their father's death all three children were given support to attend high quality Edinburgh schools and received excellent education. Robin attended Edinburgh University studying Physics. At the end of his third year (June 1942), he joined R.A.F. and began his Air Force training and work on radar. He was given a head posting of a radar station at Tannock in northeast Scotland. From there he was sent for training at the Radar Navigational Unit at Cambridge. He worked in radar during the war in Britain and the Far East. After he was demobilized he went back to Edinburgh University to begin his studies for his doctorate. He married Sheila Telfer in 1948 before finishing his degree in 1949 and served as a lecturer in the Physics Department. Several years passed and two children were born (David and Graham) before he applied for a position at the University of Manitoba. The family arrived in Winnipeg in the fall of 1957. Robin was given the rank of Assistant Professor and before long he was promoted and in 1961 he was made Associate Dean of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science. He became the first Dean of Science in 1970 when the faculty was officially split. He stood down as Dean in 1979 and went on a leave in Scotland. After returning from leave he was asked by the Dean of Education to move over to the Faculty of Education to teach some science courses to teachers. After a few years he returned to the Science Faculty as Dean Emeritus. Sadly in 1982 Sheila succumbed to cancer and passed away in February 1982. As well as his administrative duties Robin delved deep into the history of weights and measures. He produced two authoritative works on the weights and measures, firstly of England a second one on weights and measures in Scotland. He also wrote several other books on the history of the Science Faculty and the Physics Department. Both he and Sylvia retired in the late 1980s and enjoyed a wonderful retirement filled with travel and hobbies with Robin perfecting his hobby of calligraphy. He spent much time in later life collecting rare books and first editions. They travelled to Greece many times to take part in archeological expeditions and frequently revisited Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. As well Robin had an enduring love for his cottage at Victoria Beach and spent time there as long as he was able. No funeral or memorial service will be held, but there will be a family gathering to celebrate Robin's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robin Connor Lectureship Fund at the University of Manitoba. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Charleswood Care Centre for their exemplary care of Robert. A special thank you to Tracy (Kay) and Leah for their kindness. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C 0X4 (204) 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2017