Today@Dal

Dalhousie University is saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) Fournier, a researcher, administrator, and outreach advocate whose work helped establish Dal as one of the world’s leading institutions in ocean studies. Dr. Fournier passed away peacefully at his home in Timberlea, Nova Scotia on Dec. 10 with his wife and children by his side.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on Oct. 29, 1939, Dr. Fournier earned a PhD in biological oceanography from the University of Rhode Island in 1967 and came to Dal in 1968 for a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Gordon Riley. In 1971, he joined Dal as an assistant professor of oceanography, eventually becoming a full professor in 1979. During his time at Dal, he also chaired the Department of Oceanography and served as the university’s associate vice-president (research and international relations) and executive director of the Dalhousie Ocean Studies Program.

Beyond his work at the university, he chaired and was a member of several national, provincial, and local councils and task forces, including the Halifax Harbour Task Force that investigated how to clean up the city’s polluted harbour. He was also passionate about outreach and communicating science to the public. Having made an estimated 2,500 appearances on CBC radio and television since 1974, Dr. Fournier helped educate a generation of listeners and viewers on a wide range of scientific topics. In 2018, he was awarded an honourary degree from Acadia University for his dedication to communicating science.

In the same year, Dr. Fournier, then a professor emeritus in the Department of Oceanography, was named one of 52 Dalhousie Originals ahead of the 200th anniversary celebrations. 

Dr. Fournier is survived by his wife, Nancy, and children Andrew (Katrina), Michael (Sonya), Samantha (Jeff), and Daniel (Alexandra), as well as nine grandchildren and his older sister, Claire Emmons.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral, but a celebration of life will be held in the new year, with details coming later.

Dr. Fournier’s obituary can be found on the Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home’s website. A print version will appear in Saturday’s Chronicle Herald and SaltWire newspapers.

On Thursday, CBC Radio’s Information Morning ran a segment in tribute to Dr. Fournier, which can be heard at this link.