Memories of Alan Edward Beck (1928–2020)

Abstract

This is article providing a brief description of the life and scientific achievements of Alan Edward Beck, emeritus Professor of Western University.  He was born in England on January 27, 1928 and passed away on December 1^st, 2020 at his home in London (Ontario), Canada. He will be remembered not only for his significant contributions in Geophysics but also his active participation in activities of the International Heat Flow Commission- IHFC. In 1958 he was a founding faculty member of the Department of Geophysics of the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. Shortly thereafter became Acting Head (1961), and then Head (1963) of the Department of Geophysics. He was a founding member of the International Heat Flow Commission, Vice Chairman for the period of 1979 to 1983 and then Chairman during 1983 to 1987. He retired in 1993 but continued to be active with participation in several international organizations. Beck was honored with the J. Tuzo Wilson Award of the Canadian Geophysical Union in 1993.