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In Memoriam
Recognizing the passing of members of the campus community who during their careers shared their talents in helping Western students, faculty, staff and alumni to be their best.
Below you will find notices from 2026. For older notices (2012 to 2025) please visit our In Memoriam archive page.
Bessie Borwein
Dr. Bessie Borwein, who served as the Associate Dean of Research with the former Faculty of Medicine and as an Associate Professor with the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology passed away on June 9, 2026. Dr. Borwein served on the Research Ethics Review Board and devoted her time to many community organizations. She retired in 1992 after 28 years of service with Western.
Dean Gaily
Dr. Dean Gaily, former Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and as Associate Professor with the Department of Physics and Astronomy passed away on May 14, 2026. Dr. Gaily retired in 1999 after 29 years of service with Western.
Reuel K. Wilson
Dr. Reuel K. Wilson, who served as an Associate Professor, with the Department of Languages and Cultures (formerly Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures) passed way on June 4, 2026. Dr. Wilson retired in 2004 following a 34-year career with Western.
Jessica Karuhanga
Jessica Karuhanga passed away on April 28, 2026. Dr. Karunhanga was a valued member of the Department of Visual Arts, serving as an Assistant Professor for four years. Since 2018, Dr. Karuhanga, also shared her expertise as a guest lecturer.
Robert Gros
Robert Gros, Associate Professor with the Robarts Research Institute (Molecular Medicine) and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Physiology and Pharmacology) passed away on April 27, 2026. Dr. Gros also served as Special Advisor to the Department of Veterinary Services during the 20 years he dedicated to Western.
Richard Gardiner
Dr. Richard Gardiner, a retired Professor from the Department of Biology passed away on February 27, 2026. Dr. Gardiner retired in 2022 after more than 20 years service at Western.
David Bell
Dr. David Bell, Professor Emeritus and Clinician in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Medicine passed away on February 28, 2026. Dr. Bell had a 31-year career at Western, including serving as Chief of Rheumatology. Dr Bell retired from full-time service in 2003 and remained a Professor and Adjunct Professor, contributing to the university until 2019.
Henry Roukema
Dr. Henry Roukema, Associate Professor and Neonatologist with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Paediatrics as well as London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital passed away on January 28, 2026. Dr. Roukema, had a 29-year career with Western.
Lois Wilbee
Lois Wilbee, a retired Secretary from the Department of Anthropology passed away on January 4, 2026. Ms. Wilbee retired in 2007 after 21 years of service with Western.
Jan Van Fleet
Jan Van Fleet, retired Secretary to the Board of Governors and Senate, with the University Secretariat's Office passed away on January 16, 2026. She retired in 2005 after 39 years of service with Western. Ms. Van Fleet was awarded the first President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014.
Lesley Mounteer
Lesley Mounteer, retired Director, Experiential Learning from the Faculty of Engineering passed away on January 14, 2026. A Western Award of Excellence recipient, Ms. Mounteer retired in 2021 after 27 years of service, and she continued to contribute as a Project Manager and Director in 2023.
