Fritz Lehmann was born in 1936 in Oak Park, Illinois. He received his undergraduate degree at Oberlin College in 1958 and his master's degrees (1961, 1962) and Ph.D. (1967) from the University of Wisconsin. From 1962 to 1964, he was a research fellow at the American Institute of Indian Studies, affiliated with Patna University in India. He subsequently was a research fellow at the University of Wisconsin and an instructor and assistant professor of history at Temple University. He joined UBC's Department of History in 1967. Apart from a one-year teaching exchange at Dalhousie University in 1987-88, Lehmann remained at UBC until 1994. His area of particular interest was the history of India and the South Asian region, particularly the role of Islam in the region, technology and its relation to the culture and development of the area, and Urdu language and literature. He also taught classes in East Asian and general world history and conducted extensive research into railroads and railroading in Canada and South Asia. Known as a dedicated and inspiring teacher, Lehmann also lectured frequently on Indian and Islamic topics for UBC Continuing Studies, the Alumni Speakers Bureau, and other groups within and outside UBC. In addition, he was involved with the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, serving on its board of directors from 1980 to 1985 and other academic organizations.