John Gehman, one of the founders of the Department of Anthropology at The University of Western Ontario, died July 17 from complications due to congestive heart failure.
A teacher at Western for almost 38 years (1970-1973 and 1975- 2008), Gehman was described by a colleague as the “utility fielder” of the department, having at one time or another taught nearly every course in the department.
According to the department’s website, Gehman was “an intellectual who wore his learning lightly and one of the few people who seems never to have made enemies. His humour, knowledge of just about everything, and broad view of life were a joy to all who knew him, not least the nurses and doctors at (University Hospital) who attended him.”
Gehman is survived by his son Christopher (Rachel MacHenry) and grandson Noah; son Joel (Jessica Long); former wife Anne Gehman; longtime friend and companion Telsa O’Connell; niece Julie Pieper and sister Caroline Warner (Tom Warner). He leaves also many friends and his beloved garden.
A memorial gathering will be held Sunday (July 26) from 3-5 p.m. in the Birch Room at the London Civic Garden Complex (625 Springbank Drive) in London.
The university flag will be at half-mast Sunday until 3 p.m. for Gehman.
You may send condolences to Joel Gehman, 468 Hill St., London, ON N6B 1E6 or by e-mail to Chris Gehman at cgehman@sympatico.ca.