In Memoriam: Terry Penelhum, Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is mourning the loss of Dr. Terry Penelhum, PhD, a professor of philosophy who passed away on Feb. 26, 2020. 

Born in Bradford-on-Avon, England, in 1929, Penelhum went on to attend the University of Edinburgh, Oriel College, Oxford, and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut before joining the faculty at the University of Alberta in 1953. He moved to Calgary 10 years later, three years prior to the establishment of the University of Calgary as an autonomous institution. 

His impact at UCalgary was huge. He served as a professor of philosophy and religious studies and he also held a number of administrative positions, including dean of Arts and Sciences (1964-1967), head of the Department of Philosophy (1964-1970), and director of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities (1976-1979). He retired as a professor emeritus in 1988. 

As a scholar, he was the author of seven books and editor or co-editor of three more. In addition, he received four honorary doctorates from the universities of Calgary, Lethbridge, Lakehead and Waterloo.  

Penelhum was predeceased by his beloved wife Edith in 2016 and in 1975 by his son Andrew. 

He is survived by his daughter Rosemary Sargent (Gary), grandson Jamie Bailey (Lynn), great-grandchildren Jack and Zoe, and Lorraine Facey (Roger). 

A funeral service and reception will be held Friday, March 6 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1407 7th Ave. N.W., at 11 a.m. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at Leyden's Funeral Home.