In memoriam: Dr. Thom Hess

Dr. Thom Hess passed away on Aug. 27 after a three-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his partner, Rob Taylor. Thom joined the Department of Linguistics in the late 1960s and retired in 2000. He was a gentleman, an outstanding teacher and a generous soul who shared unstintingly his time and his extensive First Nations language materials with students, colleagues and members of the First Nations communities. Many of us owe him so much. Thom is remembered fondly by students (and their children and grandchildren) of the Native Indian Language Diploma Program in which he played a pivotal role in the 1970s.

His teaching methods provided a template for First Nations language lessons developed throughout the area over the decades. He developed a highly popular, pioneering course on writing systems of the world. Thom was honoured as an outstanding instructor in 2000 with the Faculty of Humanities Excellence in Teaching Award. He will be missed. At Thom’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers a contribution to the BC Cancer Agency or a local charity will be appreciated.

Submitted by Dr. Thomas Hukari, professor emeritus, Department of Linguistics