The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Ernest Mardon, who passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, March 6 at the age of 87.
Mardon was among the first faculty of the University of Lethbridge, having started his work as an assistant professor in English in 1969. He was promoted to associate professor in 1972 and retired in 1990.
His former colleague, Dr. Dennis Connolly, says he was one of the great professors at the U of L and describes him as Dr. Google because he was such a well-read person and could provide a detailed answer to any question on history. Connolly recalls him as an eccentric who would often teach class in his academic gown.
Born in Houston, Texas December 21, 1928 to Professor Austin Mardon and Marie Dickey, Dr. Ernest G. Mardon was educated at Gordonstone, Scotland, before attending Trinity College in Dublin. After that he was called up for military service in the Korean War as an officer with the Gordon Highlanders, serving with that outfit in the Suez Canal Zone, Cyprus, Libya, from 1952 to 1954.[3] He was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant. He moved to Canada in 1954 as Bureau Manager for United Press International. He taught high school in Morinville, AB, and then did Doctoral work in Medieval English at the University of Ottawa.
He is survived by his wife, May, and his son, Austin. Austin (BaSC (BA) ’85; LLD ’14), co-authored several works with his father. Austin has been a strong advocate for those who suffer from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
A memorial service has yet to be announced but the U of L will lower its flag on that day in honour of Mardon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ernest may be made to Canadian Blood Services, 200 4 Ave S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C9.