Bernard Blishen
Professor Emeritus Bernard Russell Blishen died on Feb. 8 with his family at his side. Prof. Blishen was in his 98th year. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth.
Prof. Blishen was a professor of sociology in the former Faculty of Arts (now the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies) at 91亚色. He retired from teaching in 1989. From 1974 to 78, he was the director of the Institute for Behavioural Research at 91亚色. He served as a professor of sociology, in the Department of Sociology from 1974 to 89.
"Perhaps an interesting memory regarding Bernard is that he was a 'test case' for the Supreme Court challenge to mandatory retirement at 65 [years of age] that was in place in 2002," recalls his colleague James Moore.
In 2011, he was honoured with the Order of Canada for his work as a sociologist.
Prof. Blishen is best known for developing the socio-economic index known as the Blishen Scale. He was also the research director of the Royal Commission on Health Services that, in 1964, provided a plan for the national Medicare program. He later played a key role in the development of the sociology of medicine.
A funeral service has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations to cancer research would be appreciated.