Our Sympathies: Freeman McEwen

It is with sympathy that we share the passing of Freeman McEwen on September 16, 2022.

Freeman was Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College from 1983 to 1990. He also served as head of the Department of Entomology from 1968 to 1971 and then as the first head of the Department of Environmental Biology from 1971 to 1983.

Freeman was known by many University of Guelph students, faculty and staff during his time on campus, but also the generations who followed his retirement. Freeman was a loyal supporter of the University and the Ontario Agricultural College who continued to attend college events, including student award ceremonies. More on Freeman’s career is available here.

"Freeman represented great dedication to OAC and under his leadership the college maintained its strength and reputation globally as a leader in agriculture and food education and research." – Dr. Rene Van Acker, Dean, OAC

"Dr. McEwen served as the first head of the Department of Environmental Biology. His leadership and foresight during these formative years laid the foundation for the internationally recognized success of the department, a legacy that continues today as the School of Environmental Sciences." – Dr. Paul Sibley, Director, School of Environmental Sciences

A celebration of life will be held in Guelph at Reid Hall, the recreation centre at the Village by the Arboretum, 33 Village Green Drive, on October 2nd, 2022 at 1:00 pm. His obituary can be found here.