Flags on campus are lowered and will remain lowered until Friday, October 8 in honour of Robert Charles Wheeler, emeritus professor of chemistry.

After distinguished service in the Second World War, Professor Wheeler came to Queen’s in 1946 and graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Applied Science (Chemistry). He obtained his M.Sc. degree at Queen’s in 1951 and his Ph.D. degree at Cambridge in 1954. He returned to Kingston to teach at the Royal Military College.

In 1956 he moved to Queen’s as an assistant professor and for the next 30 years ran a first-class program in analytical chemistry in association with Wally Breck. His teaching is recognized in the latest issue of the Queen’s Alumni Review. His researched centred on the chemistry of flames.

Professor Wheeler will be remembered particularly for the great effort he put into getting to know his students and for his recognition of the valuable contribution made by non-academic staff to the work of the department.

Friends will be received at James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Boulevard) on Wednesday, October 6 from 6:30 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church (236 Nelson Street) on Thursday, October 7 at 11 am. Cremation will follow with inurnment at Union Cemetery in Port Hope at a later date.

Donations may be made to Sharon McCarthy Nursing Education Fund, with cheques made payable to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.