Alumni

University mourns passing of Mrazek

The University community wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the family, many friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Richard (Rick) Mrazek, our associate dean, Faculty of Education and a veteran educator, who passed away on Sunday, Mar. 17.

He is survived by his mother, Mary-Rose, and daughter, Kristen. Rick had a personalized license plate on his car that read DAD1DR2, so it was quite evident where his priorities were.

His boundless energy and enthusiasm for life, his family and education will be sorely missed on campus and among the many groups Rick touched.

"Rick was a wonderful man, an accomplished scholar, and a strong promoter and defender of this faculty, this institution and its programs," says Dr. Craig Loewen, the dean of the Faculty of Education.

"More importantly, he was a devoted son and father, and a dear faithful friend. He will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family at this very difficult time."

A natural teacher, Mrazek's influences in the education community extended from the grade three classes he once taught in Coaldale to being internationally recognized as a leading science, technology and environmental educator.

Mrazek's contributions over the past 30 years helped establish sustainable environmental and conservation education programs in the K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, parks, and communities throughout Alberta and Canada.

Most recently, Mrazek was an enthusiastic champion of a cross-Atlantic Ocean trip organized by Olympian Adam Kreek who, with three colleagues, is presently rowing across the Atlantic and scheduled to arrive in Florida in late March/early April.

His work with the Canadian Wildlife Federation on the curriculum and educational components of this project were particularly meaningful to him, partly because of his love of water, but also because of the enthusiasm with which young students embraced the educational concepts he was talking about and, in turn, became excited about learning.

Mrazek was a proud U of L graduate (BASc/BEd '78), member of the U of L Alumni Honour Society and Alumnus of the Year (1993) who obtained his MEd and PhD from the University of Alberta. He began his academic career at he U of L in 1986 as an assistant professor.

A memorial service is not confirmed at this time. More details will be released when that information is available.

Mrazek kept an online CV which is quite extensive and can be viewed at this website: http://richardmrazek.com/

Additional obituary information will be added as it becomes available.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of the Faculty of Education.

Please e-mail darcy.mckenna@uleth.ca