In Memoriam: UPEI says good-bye to several members of its campus family

The UPEI community lost several members of its campus faculty and staff community over the last several weeks. The University extends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Don Cregier, Mary Eliot, Bert Tersteeg, and Barb Mullaly.

 

Don Cregier

A founder of UPEI’s Department of History, Don Cregier passed away on November 15, 2016 in Montague and is survived by his wife Sharon. Born in 1930 in Schenectady, NY, Professor Cregier studied at Union College, University of Michigan, Clark University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. After a series of teaching positions at US colleges, Professor Cregier joined Saint Dunstan’s University as an assistant professor in 1966, became an associate professor of history in 1968, and was part of the faculty group that transitioned to UPEI when it was formed in 1969. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Donations may be made in Professor Cregier’s memory to Christian Blind Mission International or the Humane Society of PEI. 

 

Mary Eliot

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, Mary Eliot was an archaeologist and educator, like her husband Dr. C. W. J. (Willie) Eliot, who served as UPEI’s president and vice-chancellor. Mary and Willie met in Greece where, together, they collaborated to excavate a cemetery at Lerna, just outside Corinth. The pair returned to Canada in 1957, embarking on a journey that took them to University of British Columbia, the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick before arriving at UPEI. After serving UPEI from 1985–95, and making many contributions to the greater Prince Edward Island community, Willie and Mary retired to their home in Dorchester, New Brunswick. Mary passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 5, 2016 (she was pre-deceased by Dr. Eliot in 2008). There was no funeral, but in July there will be gathering in her Dorchester garden and house for family, friends and villagers. Donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Research Society or to the charity of one's choice.

 

Bert Tersteeg

Musician, composer, and UPEI music educator and Founder Hubertus (Bert) Tersteeg passed away in Charlottetown on December 6, 2016 at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his wife Wilhelmina “Willy”. Professor Tersteeg arrived in Canada from the Netherlands in the 1950s to play in bands with the Canadian Army. In 1965, after earning certification as a music teacher, he was invited by Sister Mary Winifred McIver to teach and establish a music program at Saint Dunstan's University. He also helped found the still-thriving PEI Symphony, as well as an ensemble for young string players, and a series of music camps, and was a representative on the PEI Council of the Arts from its outset. He was named a Founder of the University in 2004. After retiring from UPEI, Professor Tersteeg continued to perform in the Tersteeg String Quartet and in duos, and devoted much time to writing original compositions. He composed original salutes and fanfares for each of UPEI’s past-presidents to-date and his highly esteemed compositions enriched official University occasions for more than three decades. Memorial donations may be made in Professor Tersteeg’s memory to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation.