Biography of Edward Francis Glass

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By means of the Edward F. Glass Award of Merit of the IEEE Western Canada Area, IEEE Canada commemorates contributions to the development of the Weststern Canada Area (formerly Council). See the list of recipients of the E.F. Glass Western Canada Merit Award.

Biography

Edward Francis Glass (1928-1993) was born and raised in Pincher Creek, Alta., son of Christina and John Ira Glass. After graduating from the University of Alberta in 1950 with an Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, he joined Westinghouse Canada as a field service engineer and began a successful 41-year career in utility sales and support. His work took him to New Zealand, Kitimat, BC and Beauharnois, Que.

In 1959, he moved to Winnipeg and in 1961 he had the good fortune and sense to court and marry Lavina Jean (Vinie) Glass (no relation). He is lovingly remembered as a fine husband and father by his wife and three sons, Ralph, John and Bill. He also leaves his brothers, Bill (Shirley) of Penticton, BC and Don (Mary) of Calgary, Alta., uncles and aunts, Hughie and Joy Cameron, and Jim and Kate Oddie of Abbotsford, BC. He is also warmly remembered by his Winnipeg in-laws, Vivian Glass, Verne and Gerry Glass and family, and Lloyd and Maureen Glass and family of South River, Ont., and, in addition, numerous nieces and nephews and friends who remember his wit and warm smile.

Ted was an active member and contributor to many civic and professional organizations. He was Past-President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba, and served with the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Electrical Association and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. He was a supporter of amateur sports in the community and served as President of Woodhaven Community Club, Chairman of the St. James Assiniboia Community Centers Board, President of the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centers and an active board member of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Sports Federation and Manitoba Amateur Baseball Association. Following retirement, he volunteered and worked enthusiastically for Habitat for Humanity.

His IEEE volunteer activities included serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman of the Winnipeg Section of the IEEE. Following his term as Winnipeg Section Chair in 1975 & 1976, he was elected a member of the IEEE Board of Directors (1978 & 1979) and concurrently chair of the Region 7 (now IEEE Canada) committee. He conceptualised and was instrumental in creating the first IEEE McNaughton Learning Resource Center at the University of Manitoba in 1978 for students to gain entrepreneurial skills to complement their regular program of studies. He then worked to expand this concept across Canada where today there are about fourty such centres from coast to coast.

Ted’s service and loyalty to the profession of electrical engineering were extensive and unbounded. In 1991, he received the Professional Service Award from the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers for his special contribution to the profession.

The world runs more smoothly because of people like Ted Glass – volunteer work gets done, families are raised, and happiness and strength are passed to those around them. Ted will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Peacefully and after a short illness, Ted passed away on April 15, 1993 at the age of 65 years.