KILLAM, Professor Gordon Douglas
Dr. Doug Killam died peacefully in Guelph, aged 90, of Parkinson’s disease. Initially a producer with CBC Television, Doug then moved into academic life, obtaining his PhD from University College, London, in 1964. He travelled and published extensively while teaching in Africa (Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Tanzania), and taught at several Canadian universities (UBC, U of Alberta, Acadia, and York, where he was the Founding Master of Bethune College.) As a pioneer in the recognition of African literature, he came to the University of Guelph where he built the Department of English into a noted centre for Post-Colonial studies. His many books and articles included the first academic study of the now-acclaimed Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe, a life-long friend. Predeceased by his parents Harry and Margaret Killam of B.C., Doug lost his beloved wife Shelagh (née Anderson) in 1996. He leaves behind his children, Sach and Sarah, daughter-in-law Libby, granddaughters Olivia and Gracey, and companion, Prof. Mary Rubio. Doug was a man of prodigious energy, ability, and personal warmth, and a noted storyteller with a deeply ironic sense of humour. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the “Doug Killam Tribute Fund” at the University of Guelph: http://uofg.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=2362&pg=entry
