In memoriam: Dr. Arthur John (Jack) Harris and Dr. Norman McFarlane
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Arthur John (Jack) Harris, who passed away on Jan. 2, 2024, at 101 years of age.
An Honorary Alumni of Distinction (2017) Award recipient, Dr. Harris was instrumental in the establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry here at Western. In his role as Chair of the London & District Dental Society (LDDS) ad hoc School Committee, Dr. Harris actively campaigned for the establishment of a dental program at Western from 1963 to 1965.
A former president of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and Royal Canadian Dental Corps Association (RCDCA), Dr. Harris was well known to Dentistry faculty as Victoria Hospital’s Chief of Oral Surgery for many years until his retirement in 1990.
He was awarded the Barnabus W. Day Award for distinguished Service by the ODA, as well as winning multiple other awards of merit and service in the dental community.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
We would also like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Norman McFarlane, who passed away Dec. 28, 2023. A former London and District Dental Society (LDDS) president, Dr. McFarlane was a well-respected lecturer at Schulich Dentistry from 1969 to 2002, after which he joined the adjunct clinical faculty team until 2008.
Dr. McFarlane learned to play the Bagpipes in the early ’80s, and joined the London Police band. He was still playing and marching in parade events until a month before his passing.
He will be greatly missed.
