The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES) at Carleton University is saddened by the recent loss of Professor Emeritus J. Kenneth Torrance. On December 10, 2021 Ken passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home with his wife at his side.
Ken & Margaret Torrance with granddaughter, Jaqueline Reynolds (now at York University in a combined Music, Math & Pedagogy Program)
Ken was hired in 1970, during a period of significant expansion of DGES. He was educated at the Ontario Agricultural College (U of T) and Cornell University, specializing in Soil Science. He made numerous contributions to academic service and governance throughout his academic career. In 1975 he received the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association’s Award for Established Excellence in Teaching. He was appointed to the Rideau River Conservation Authority Land Use Advisory Board and National Energy Board. He served as Chair of DGES from 1999-2002 and Interim Chair 2005-2006. Ken was a strong promoter of and collaborator in interdisciplinary approaches, and made many strong contributions to our ”bridging” doctoral program. As many of the tributes that have been flowing into the department show, Ken was well respected by his peers and will be fondly remembered for his kindness and support.
Open house event 1998
It is the family’s intent to have a “Celebration of Ken’s Life” between Easter and early June, indoors or outdoors, dependant on gatherings permitted by the behaviour of the latest Covid variant.
Ken was a significant philanthropist in support of the department and academic research. If you want to make a difference, please consider a donation to any of the following Torrance Endowed Awards at Carleton University:
Torrance Research Scholarship in Geography and Environmental Studies
Torrance Graduate Research Award
Torrance Family and Friends of Women’s and Gender Studies Research Award
Carleton University Fine Arts Award
Syer-Torrance Inspiration Awards
Date unknown, but presumably while Chair, 1999-2002
We would like to share an opportunity to share messages about Ken. Remembering Ken Torrance