It was with deep sadness that Director General Gilbert Héroux announced the death of Eugene Lehman who taught in the Mathematics Department of Vanier College. Dr. Lehman died on December 15, 2011 at the age of 98.Our sympathies are extended to his family.

Eugene was well known for his commitment to teaching mathematics to young people as well as his remarkable acievements as a medal-winning Masters-level swimmer right up to very late in his life. His swimming exploits included the setting of several world records while he was in his 90s.

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Full obituary:

LEHMAN, Eugene H. January 26, 1913 – December 15, 2011

Eugene died peacefully at home in the pre dawn hours of Thursday, December 15 with his wife Shirley at his side fulfilling his wish and her promise. Eugene, born in New York City, Canadian by choice, graduated from Yale University in 1933 with a Bachelor’s degree. He completed a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University Teachers College in 1937. During WWII, the United States Army Air Force sent him to the University of Chicago where he studied Meteorology and became a military weather forecaster. He achieved a Ph.D. in Statistics from the North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 1961.

Eugene spent his life and career as a professor, teacher, and life-long educator and learner. He was a world-class, medal-winning, Master’s swimmer and amateur pianist. He was a passionate chess player and instructor. He is survived by his wife, four grown children, and five grandchildren. Eugene donated his body to the McGill Medical School’s Anatomy Department.

A memorial service was held for him in the summer of 2012 at the Pointe Claire Aquatic Centre.

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There was a wonderful article about Dr. Lehman written shortly after his death by Brenda Branswell, Education reporter for the Montreal Gazette. You can read it in its entirety. Just click here.

Posted in 2010-2019