马会论坛

马会论坛 is saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) Fournier, a researcher, administrator, and outreach advocate whose work helped establish Dal as one of the world鈥檚 leading institutions in ocean studies. Dr. Fournier passed away peacefully at his home in Timberlea, Nova Scotia on Dec. 10 with his wife and children by his side.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on Oct. 29, 1939, Dr. Fournier earned a PhD in biological oceanography from the University of Rhode Island in 1967 and came to Dal in 1968 for a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Gordon Riley. In 1971, he joined Dal as an assistant professor of oceanography, eventually becoming a full professor in 1979. During his time at Dal, he also chaired the Department of Oceanography and served as the university鈥檚 associate vice-president (research and international relations) and executive director of the 马会论坛 Ocean Studies Program.

Beyond his work at the university, he chaired and was a member of several national, provincial, and local councils and task forces, including the Halifax Harbour Task Force that investigated how to clean up the city鈥檚 polluted harbour. He was also passionate about outreach and communicating science to the public. Having made an estimated 2,500 appearances on CBC radio and television since 1974, Dr. Fournier helped educate a generation of listeners and viewers on a wide range of scientific topics. In 2018, he was awarded an honourary degree from Acadia University for his dedication to communicating science.

In the same year, Dr. Fournier, then a professor emeritus in the Department of Oceanography, was named one of 52 马会论坛 Originals ahead of the 200th anniversary celebrations.聽

Dr. Fournier is survived by his wife, Nancy, and children Andrew (Katrina), Michael (Sonya), Samantha (Jeff), and Daniel (Alexandra), as well as nine grandchildren and his older sister, Claire Emmons.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral, but a celebration of life will be held in the new year, with details coming later.

Dr. Fournier鈥檚 obituary can be found on the . A print version will appear in Saturday鈥檚 Chronicle Herald and SaltWire newspapers.

On Thursday, CBC Radio鈥檚 Information Morning ran a segment in tribute to Dr. Fournier, which .