News & Events
Bereavement Announcement
August 27th, 2010
It is with great sadness that Huntington University announces the passing of a dear colleague and distinguished faculty member, Dr. Brian Aitken. Dr. Aitken had a dedicated 40-year academic career in the Department of Religious Studies at Huntington University.
Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University says “Brian was a beloved and incredibly valuable faculty member and will fondly be remembered as a scholar with a visionary approach who worked to ensure that teaching and learning at Huntington continued to thrive. On behalf of the Huntington University community, we wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Brian Aitken.”
The Chancellor of Huntington University, Dr. Edward J. Conroy says: “Dr. Aitken was a caring individual and outstanding professor whose great scholarly work and interpersonal talents were well known. His charismatic spirit will forever be respected and remembered.”
Professor Alison Hood, Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Huntington University adds “As a long-time faculty member, Dr. Aitken played an important role at Huntington University and was a respected figure. His spirit will remain on our campus forever.”
Dr. Brian Aitken was Huntington University’s senior professor, having taught many courses at Huntington since the early 1970s. He was a Full Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Ethics and Gerontology.
Throughout his illustrious career, he was the former Chair of the Religious Studies program both at Huntington and of the Joint Department of Religious Studies with the federated universities. Dr. Aitken will also be remembered as the founder of the Communication Studies and Gerontology programs at Huntington.
Both his teaching and research included a broad spectrum of themes, including current religious trends in Canada, Irish Celtic spirituality, religion and aging, ethics and aging, ethical issues in sport, health, healing, and alternative and complementary medicines as well as medical ethics.
Dr. Aitken’s service to the university community was also well recognized throughout his career as he served as Chair of the Huntington University Senate and formally, the Speaker of the Laurentian University Senate. In addition, Dr. Brian Aitken was also the former President of the Ontario Gerontology Association as well as the Secretary for the Canadian Society of the Study of Religion. Throughout his life, Dr. Aitken remained an active member of the Order of Ministry of the United Church of Canada.
Dr. Brian Aitken is survived by his wife, Andrea Turner, a former sessional lecturer at Huntington University.
A life celebration for Dr. Brian Aitken will take place on Friday, September, 10, 2010 at 3:00pm at Fielding Memorial Park. The family wishes to invite friends, colleagues and students to celebrate Brian’s life.
