SEMELUK, DR. GEORGE PETER - The family of Dr. George Peter Semeluk, of Fredericton, NB, is deeply saddened to announce his passing at the DECH, on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the age of 87 years. His devoted and loving daughter, Catherine, and his caregiver/friend, Racheal Hamilton, were by his side as he peacefully passed away. Born in Coleman, AB, on April 14, 1924, he was the only child of William and Katherine (Danyluk) Semeluk and the husband of the late Marion Elizabeth Semeluk who predeceased him on May 3, 2005. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family. George received most of his public schooling in the coal mining town of Luscar, AB, leaving his hometown to finish grades 11 and 12 at Victoria High School in Edmonton, AB, as these levels were not available to him in Luscar. Upon completion of high school, George enrolled in Honours Chemistry at the University of Alberta where he received his B.Sc. in 1947 and his M.Sc. in 1949. George loved to learn and in 1955 he received his first Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago followed by a second Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Cambridge University in the U.K., in 1960. George worked at a variety of jobs during his years of studies some of which included working in the coal mines, firefighting along the Alaska/Canada Highway as well as working for Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company (Trail, BC), General Electric (Cleveland, Ohio) and Electrochemical Laboratories (Tulsa Oklahoma). In September 1960, George began his career at UNB, first as an Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department, during which time he along with Ph.D. students carried out research in photochemistry/ photophysics resulting in the production of approximately 30 research papers. George became a well established and respected “full” professor in 1968, a position he retained until his retirement in June 1989. He demonstrated a passion for teaching and for his students; always being readily available to help whenever asked. During his years at UNB, George became involved in many aspects of university life. He was elected to the Senate as a representative of the Faculty of Science and served in this position from 1968-1976. George served as chairman on innumerable committees, both standing and ad hoc, one of which dealt with student representation on the Senate, along with serving on Faculty of Science and Department of Chemistry committees. He was president of the Association of New Brunswick Teachers and a key member of the bargaining team that secured the first collective agreement for UNB’s full-time professors, librarians, and instructors. George was a founding member and leading volunteer of the FNBFA and over a 30 year span held positions as a board member, treasurer and publisher of the Federation’s newsletter. In 2002, he received the Prix Nicole Raymond Award, presented to one who has “significantly influenced post-secondary teaching in New Brunswick”, for his “tireless and uninterrupted commitment”. The FNBFA also created The George Semeluk Scholarship, in his honour, (a four year renewable scholarship awarded annually) in recognition of his personal integrity and his strong role in supporting and developing faculty activism. As a former colleague stated, “George was a gentleman and scholar of impeccable integrity and a firm believer in the ideals of collegiality”. George married the love of his life, Marion, on May 7, 1949 and together they shared 56 wonderful years. He was actively involved, alongside his wife, in the raising of their three children, being a very hands-on father in a time when many weren’t. He had a passion for computers and following his retirement found great pleasure rebuilding them, as well as staying on top of the most recent technology. George enjoyed reading a variety of publications and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer. Once he retired, he and Marion spent many winters in Arizona and took numerous trips to places such as the USSR, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, China, Japan, Cuba and Mexico. In more recent years, George’s greatest pleasure came from family gatherings and the daily visits from his daughter and his caregivers. George was a very gentle, kind and caring man. He demonstrated an unrelenting selfless love for his family. This was very evident in how he cared for his wife and in the many ways he supported his children. He remained a devoted and loving father to his three children, William of Oakville, ON, Michael (Barb) of Edmonton, AB, and daughter Catherine (Gary) with whom he lived until his passing. George loved deeply and took great pleasure in visits from his grandchildren, Olaf Rubis of Calgary, AB, and Erica and Ryan Brown of Fredericton, always willing to provide huge smiles, hugs and kisses for them. He will be profoundly and forever missed and loved by his family as well as his full-time caregiver, Racheal Hamilton, George’s and Catherine’s “Angel”, who also loved him deeply. The family would, as well, like to thank caregivers Flo Enman, Judy Burrows and Donna Calhoun who brought sunshine into George’s life and provided him with wonderful care and attention. “Sharing a life together is sharing steps in time. The music is different to each of us ~ but how beautiful the dance.” It has been a privilege to have been part of Dad’s life and to have shared in his last dance. For this I will be eternally thankful and grateful. I love you, Dad. Catherine.
A memorial gathering will take place at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton on Saturday, June 4th, 2011 from 2 to 5 pm. For those who wish, memorial tributes in George's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com