Condolences
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a krepinsky posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
When in '76 or '77 Dr. Campbell invited me to study a salt marsh I was intimidated and skeptical. "Uhm, well, what's in there?" I asked. "I have no idea," said he, dryly, "go ask Sherman Bleakney". Before I could say 'Spartina' I was planted beside Dr. Bleakney ankle-deep in tidal muck, and my life has never been the same. I will always thank him for that intro tour. For someone so colossally knowledgeable he was one of the most unassuming and approachable people I have ever met.
Had anyone mentioned the stepladder? I got that from some of the 'locals' who'd been watching my own antics. "So there was this guy, just sittin' on a stepladder on the marsh, just sittin' there, and the tide come in... and the tide wen' out, an' he was STILL sittin' there (?!)" That was Kingsport marsh I believe... didn't have to guess who that was, nor mention I was one of his disciples. Aaah the memories. 'Til we meet again where the oceans rise, bless the memories.
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Andrew Hebda posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2020
I was sitting beside Sherman at the first Leatherback meeting in Halifax back in 1995. On his other side sat a marine mammal specialist a person of strong opinions known for speaking his mind. Another Mammal researcher (with whom he found no common ground) had just gotten up to make a presentation and had thanked the host with "You are much too kind"...which was met with a clear sotto voce comment "You can say that again" from Sherman's other seated neighbour. Sherman, the world renown herpetologist and very respected, distinguikshed and honoured researcher fell off his chair laughing... and continued, even as he got back on his chair.. I still remember him wiping a tear from his eye (from the laughing). I have never forgotten that impish side of you. Rest in Peace my good friend..
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Susan Surette-Draper posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Like many others associated with Grand-Pré National Historic Site, I was lucky to meet and most importantly, learn, from Sherman Bleakney. We all have fond memories of his approachable and friendly manner (even for some of us who asked basic questions), his conferences, dyke walks in North Grand-Pré, and basically the fountain of information with which he supported us and the UNESCO bid. We are all richer for having known him. Merci beaucoup Sherman
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Mac Routliffe posted a condolence
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Peter and Jill your father was much more than that. He not only shared his passions but he shared his life with you, and so many more. As a child I always liked being around him, and while he was in his home I had a nice visit with him a few years ago. A remarkable human. To have shared that with you and your amazing mother was certainly a wonderful gift to receive. I know your memories shall be fond. Bless you all.
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Dale R Calder posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
No one other than my parents had a greater positive influence on my life than Dr. J. S. Bleakney. He guided me through my undergraduate years at Acadia, and prepared me for what was coming in graduate school after those four years in Wolfville. His courses were always first-rate, and I had the privilege of following him in the field as he studied sea turtles, caves, bats, frogs, toads, and more across the province of Nova Scotia. In more recent times, he contributed a major collection of nudibranchs to our museum (the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto), and we investigated unusual jellyfish together off the south shore of Nova Scotia. I admired him greatly, am grateful to him for his guidance, and am deeply saddened at his passing. Sincere condolences are extended to his family.
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Ellen Morrison posted a condolence
Sunday, November 17, 2019
I was blessed to meet Sherman through Elizabeth, and I have happy memories of him. His intelligence shone through in discussions, and I felt I learned something about life each time we talked. His sense of humour was dry, and very British. I remember him as a very kind, caring man.
May Light Perpetual Shine Upon Sherman.
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Douglas Campbell posted a condolence
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Dr. Bleakney was an outstanding professor who taught me that I was a pathetic anatomist, and thereby steered me in a more suitable direction. Sometimes the most valuable lessons are unexpected.
Much later we reengaged over his outstanding retirement project on the dykes history.
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Angela Simmons posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2019
What an amazing human being he was! His life was so full of love and learning, and the sharing of those things. My prayers will be with all of you, as you learn to move forward without his physical presence.
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Kathy Routliffe posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
I am so glad to have known your father, even the little bit a child could know him. He was a remarkable man, with a remarkable life. All my thoughts are with you, Jill and Peter and the rest of the family.
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David Honigsberg posted a condolence
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Dear Jill (and Dwight), Chris, Alex and Peter (and family),
Matthew and I would like to express our deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. I only met him once in the early '90s, when he was in Toronto visiting with you and Dwight. I still remember our long rewarding conversation with your dad over dinner. He was a wonderful man.
David
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Angela Turner posted a condolence
Saturday, November 2, 2019
This isn't a memory as I hadn't known Sherman very long. I just wanted to leave a note saying it was an honor and a pleasure to have met such a brilliant man. Flow With The Tides Sherman.
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Dr Elizabeth Gillan Muir (Liz) posted a condolence
Saturday, November 2, 2019
I first met Sherman on one of my ROM Travel trips - to Belize. It is unfortunate that we didn't know about his background at that time, because he could have added so much to our trip.
I saw him after that, when he became friends with fellow ROM volunteer, Elizabeth Walter, and he and Elizabeth were part of ROM's Churchill trip to see the polar bears.
I always enjoyed talking with Sherman when he visited Toronto - his sense of humour and his depth of knowledge.He was a lovely person.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Liz Muir
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P ete Connelly posted a condolence
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Dear Jill and Peter,
Your tribute in Sherman’s obituary is truly magnificent. He was an exceptional human being and a wonderful professor. After all these years I still use some of the wisdom that he imparted. I was honoured to be one of the original members of the scuba club and further honoured that he actually became a patient of mine for a while a few years ago.
He will be missed by so many. A true gentleman and a scholar.
Please except our prayers and heartfelt sympathy.
Sandi ( Class of 66 ) and Pete ( Class of 64 ) Connelly
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Dan Banks posted a condolence
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Family and Loved Ones,
Hands down the best lecturer I ever had as an undergrad and later grad student at Acadia! That was Sherman (to me in those days "Doctor Bleakney". How could anyone make chordate anatomy seem interesting? He did. Invertebrate zoology zinged! His ecology field trips were not to be missed and the lab follow ups were even better. He was an exceptional researcher. educator and mentor.
I was always amazed when during the few times over the years that I returned to Acadia for reunions or what ever that he actually remembered me and was curious as to what I was now doing. The last time we spoke I admitted to him how back in the day how scared I was to find out that he was one of the professors to sit in on the oral for my Master's degree. (An unfounded fear based on the deep respect I had for his intellect.
I have to say that reading the online obituary you prepared I can clearly see that your Dad brought his children up to match his standards of exactness, truth and humor!
Well lived and well done!
Dan Banks
Class of '69
ps Did he ever find one of those antique Acadian dyke building shovels he was looking for?
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Shona MacKenzie posted a condolence
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Dear Jill,
I did not know your dad but I remember you talking about him many times when we worked together in Parkdale. My condolences to you, Dwight, Chris and Alex and the rest of your family.
Shona
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Jennifer Burton posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
Thank you Jill and Peter for this amazing recounting of your father’s life - a life well lived indeed. In the early years as a friend and classmate of Jill’s, I had no idea of the depth of his interests and knowledge. He was simply “Jill’s father”. My condolences to you both.
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Ruth Anne Nicholson posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
Saddened to learn of Dr Bleakney’s passing. I was always impressed with his dedication to his students and especially recall the evening “review sessions” before exams. His classes were engaging and the exam questions often very creative, all which contributed to very positive memories of my studies at Acadia.
With sincere condolences,
Ruth Anne (Morse) Nicholson ‘66
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Kent Williams posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
Professor Bleakney's students described him as “a rare amalgam of superb teaching, innovative research, charisma and general caring about students.”
Life is interesting in who, how, and when you meet certain people in your life––and the impression they leave on you. Sherman Bleakney, who became my neighbour when I moved into my present Wolfville, NS, neighborhood, is one such individual that has inspired me. This retired academic (Acadia University) amazed me with his enduring sense of wonder for Nature. I had the opportunity to enjoy wonderful conversations on our connection to Nature during my visits to his home, or on a drive or two to the BNS meetings. What a life lived...I can only hope that my obituary reads like his when my time comes to pass on into stardust, back to the Cosmos. Well-done Sherman...bravo to a life well lived––filled with a sense of wonder and service of learning to so many students that have spread throughout the world!
~Kent Williams
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George Turner posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
I was fortunate and blessed to have had Dr. Bleakney as a professor while attending Acadia in the 1970s. He was one of my favourite biology professors who had the gift of combing academics, humour and compassion in his teaching. I often thought of Dr. Bleakney during my time as a biology teacher- he was both an inspiration and a role model. He was indeed a true gentleman and scholar. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time. God bless.
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Winnie posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
To Sherman's family:
Sherman was my favourite professor at Acadia. I always remember his teaching even now. Anatomy was my best subject.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Winnie (King) Horton
Class of '64
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Ann MacKay posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
My favourite professor at Acadia when I was there in the '80s. He had such an easy-going, off-the-cuff and conversational way of teaching. It's funny what a difference a positive connection with a teacher can make. I had teachers through my years who failed to inspire and I failed to learn anything meaningful from them. Sherman Bleakney was fully inspirational. Next week John and I are travelling to the Galapagos Islands.. a special trip we started planning last November. To me, a trip to Galapagos is like a pilgrimage to a biologist's holy land. I will take a moment to appreciate where I am, what I'm experiencing and the one person on this planet who inspired me to venture there. Thank you, Dr. Bleakney.
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Bill Kydd posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
Dr. Blakeney was one of my favourite professors. It was nice to hear that he was able to live such a fulfilling life.
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Bria Stokesbury, Curator posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
On behalf of the membership of the Kings Historical Society and the Kings County Museum I extend our deepest sympathy to the Bleakney family over the passing of Dr. Bleakney. He was a valued member of our society for several years and a wonderful resource person. His contribution to the study of Acadian dyking methods added greatly to the knowledge of local history...and he was a fine man to work with.
Sincerely,
Bria Stokesbury
Curator
Kings County Museum
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Tammy posted a condolence
Friday, November 1, 2019
I will always cherish the many talks Sherman and I shared throughout his stay at Wickwire. Having the honour to know and later aid in cares for Sherman I will hold close. Sharing the love of sea turtles and just listening to the many stories and all the information that man had, wow, what an amazing and inspiring man. Enjoy your adventures on the rise and fall of the tides, and may you rest easy with the sea life. Gone but certainly will never be forgotten.
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Thursday, October 31, 2019
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The family of John "Sherman" Bleakney uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 31, 2019
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The family of John "Sherman" Bleakney uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 31, 2019
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