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In Memoriam: Dr. David Braybrooke

Posted by Dept of Political Science on August 15, 2013 in News

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. David Braybrooke.

David Braybrooke, 88, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2013 in Austin. David was born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, the eldest son of Walter Leonard and Netta Rose (Foyle) Braybrooke. He served in the US Army during World War II. He received a BA from Harvard, an MA and PhD from Cornell, and a LLD from Dalhousie. He taught at Hobart, University of Michigan, Bowdoin and Yale before moving to Halifax in 1963. He taught philosophy and political science at Dalhousie for 27 years until his retirement at age 65. He was not ready to give up teaching, and accepted an appointment to the University of Texas at Austin, where he taught in the Department of Government until his second retirement in 2005. He was active throughout his career in many different professional associations, including tenures as President of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, President of the Canadian Philosophical Association, and Vice President of the American Political Science Association. He was elected a member of the Royal Society of Canada in 1980. He was a visiting professor at a number of universities in North America and the United Kingdom. He authored over 80 articles and a number of books. He was especially honoured to receive an honourary LLD from Dalhousie in 2011.

David is survived by his beloved wife Michiko, his children Nicholas (Christina), Vancouver; Geoffrey, Baltimore; and Elizabeth Page (Nicholas Portman), Sackville, NB, his step-children James (Nora) Shak, Arizona; Brenda McAdams, alas; Linda McAdams, Austin; and Michael (Wendy) McAdams, four grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his younger brothers Christopher and Timothy.

David loved his life, his family, lemon meringue pie, intellectual discussions, good wine and fine beers. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and extended family.

Additional Information:

The Obituary from Halifax Chronicle Herald

You tube slideshow of David with family, friends, colleagues and students (Edna Keeble and Meredith Ralston included).

A memorial service for David will be held Sept 7 at 2:30pm at the University Club, Dalhousie University. There will be a reception following, allowing time for further reflections and shared memories.