In memoriam: Dr. Shawn Cafferky

Dr. Shawn Cafferky of the Department of History died suddenly on Sept. 6. A graduate of the University of Victoria’s BA and MA programs, Shawn received his PhD from Carleton University in 1996. From 1991 to 1996 Shawn worked on the official history of the Royal Canadian Navy at the Directorate of History in Ottawa. After returning to Victoria, Shawn taught at UVic, Camosun, Malaspina and for the Royal Military College’s extension program. Beginning in 2005 he held a joint appointment in the Department of History and RMC’s War Studies Program. Shawn was one of the leaders of the Veteran’s Oral History Program, pioneering a new course in which students were trained in the methods of oral history and conducted interviews with former members of the armed forces. He will be deeply missed by students and colleagues for his dedication, pursuit of excellence and friendliness. The Dr. Shawn Cafferky Scholarship in Military History has been established in honour of his contribution to the department.

Submitted by Drs. Thomas Saunders and David Zimmerman, Department of History