The University of Toronto mourns the loss of Professor W.H. (Bill) Burgess, a beloved member of our community and a distinguished educator in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry. Burgess passed on January 5, 2025.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 13, 1924, Burgess embarked on his academic journey at Cornell University in 1942. His studies were briefly interrupted when he served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 as part of the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP).
Upon returning to Cornell, he earned his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering in 1949, his Master of Food Science in 1950, and his Ph.D. in dairy chemistry in 1954, with minors in physical chemistry and bacteriology.
During his time at Cornell, Burgess held research and teaching assistantships, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to education. In 1954, he joined the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 1959. Over the next five decades, he became a cornerstone of the Chemical Engineering department, mentoring generations of students and inspiring them with his dedication, knowledge, and passion for teaching.
Burgess received numerous teaching excellence awards, and his legacy is celebrated through the Bill Burgess Teaching Award, which continues to recognize outstanding contributions to education. Upon his retirement in 1989, he was granted the status of Professor Emeritus. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Xi, and joined the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (APEO) in 1963, proudly receiving his iron ring.
Reflecting on his teaching philosophy, Burgess once said: “There’s nothing so wonderful as when the light bulb goes on… The wonderful feeling when you finally understand something, and you want to share your insight with others to help them understand too.”
His words capture the essence of his approach to teaching and his dedication to fostering understanding and curiosity in his students.
Colleagues fondly remember him as a remarkable mentor and collaborator.
Professor and Chair in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, Ramin Farnood, shares, “My first teaching assignment was with Bill. He was truly an inspiration and an extraordinary teacher – I will never forget his guidance and unwavering support.”
Burgess’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to education have left an indelible mark on our university. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched during his remarkable career.
Funeral Details
A Celebration of Life for Burgess will take place on February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Trinity College Chapel at the University of Toronto, located at 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto. A reception will follow at Trinity College. All who knew Burgess, including former students, colleagues, and friends, are warmly invited to attend.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Morley Bedford Funeral Services. Additional details, including Burgess’s obituary, are available through Morley Bedford Funeral Services.
Donations
In memory of Burgess, donations may be made online to the Professor Bill Burgess Award, which supports excellence in education and honors his enduring legacy. Faculty, staff, and former students are encouraged to contribute to this award in recognition of Burgess’s profound impact on the university community. Contributions can be made online at Professor Bill Burgess Award.
To read Burgess’s obituary in The Globe and Mail, please visit this link.