october 2009 issue
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OBITUARIES
Edo Nyland, P.Geoph., FEC(Hon.)
APEGGA Life Member
A scientist, a loving husband, an APEGGA volunteer and a world traveller, Dr. Edo Nyland, P.Geoph., died peacefully on July 28 after a long struggle with colon cancer. He was 67.
Born just prior to Christmas 1941, Dr. Nyland left his home town of Haarlem, the Netherlands, in 1951, moving with his parents to Canada.
An excellent student, Dr. Nyland entered Dalhousie University, Halifax, with significant scholarship support at the age of 16. He completed his master’s in physics at Dalhousie in 1965.
He married Sarah in 1968, and in 1970, with his doctorial studies completed from UCLA and the recent birth of his son, the young family moved to the Soviet Union for nine months to research earthquake prediction. Over the coming years, the family welcomed two daughters while facing further adventures in the U.S., Central and South America, Asia, India and Europe.
Dr. Nyland was a very active member of APEGGA, having served on the Nominating Committee, the Board of Examiners and Appeal Board. He received an APEGGA Voluntary Service award in 2002 and was awarded an Engineers Canada fellowship in 2009.
Upon retirement from his long-held post as a professor at the University of Alberta, he became involved with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. He also continued to enjoy travelling, good food and drink, long walks with his faithful dog, Sadie, and visits from his grandchildren.
Dr. Nyland is survived by his wife, Sarah, a son, two daughters and three granddaughters. A memorial service was held on Sept. 11 at the University of Alberta’s Faculty Club. The family will be establishing a scholarship in his name at the U of A.