Person

Armstrong, William

1915-1990

William McColl Armstrong was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1915 and graduated in Applied Science from the University of Toronto in 1937. Before becoming Dean of Applied Science at UBC, he was the head of the Department of Metallurgy for two years. After ten years in business with the Steel Company of Canada and the Ontario Research Foundation, he was appointed Associate Professor of Metallurgy at UBC in 1946. Between 1964 and 1974, he held the Head of the Department of Metallurgy, Dean of Applied Science, and Deputy President. In 1974, Armstrong resigned his position at UBC to become the first Chairman of the Universities Council of B.C. and was later appointed Executive Director of the Research Secretariat.
He played a vital role in the formation of TRIUMF, chaired the board of directors of the Tri-Nation body to construct a 144-inch telescope on the island of Hawaii, and served as a Director of WESTAR. His honours included an Honorary Doctor of Science from UBC in 1975 and his appointment as Member of the Order of Canada in 1982. Armstrong assumed leadership positions in the Engineering profession, the university community, and this province's educational system. He played an essential role as a member of Canada's Science Council, the National Research Council, and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. He was committed to the promotion of science and research in the nation's interest. He approached every task as a challenge and an opportunity to improve the quality of life for all Canadians. He died on July 6, 1990.

Dean of Applied Science UBC, Deputy-President of UBC and Chairman of the Universities Council of British Columbia.

Unknown, UBC Archives - Senate TributesWilliam Armstrong,accessed July 2021.