This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Hugh Dempsey (DA ’19) and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Dempsey passed away in Calgary on Tuesday, May 24 at the age of 92.
Dempsey, a historian, chief curator emeritus of the Glenbow Museum and renowned storyteller, wrote more than 20 books that focused primarily on the culture and history of Indigenous peoples of Alberta.
He married Pauline Gladstone, daughter of Canadian Senator James Gladstone of the Kainai Blackfoot, in 1953. Dempsey began interviewing Blackfoot elders, and with great humility and care, he translated those interviews into stories that told the history of a proud people and reached all sections of society. Most importantly, he captured a culture for future generations of Blackfoot people, who were denied the ability to learn of their history due to residential schooling.
ULethbridge was proud to confer an honorary Doctor of Arts on Dempsey in 2019.
In honour of Dempsey, the University will lower its flags on Tuesday, June 7.
UPDATE:
A memorial gathering for Dempsey will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fort Calgary. ULethbridge will lower its flags that day in honour of Dempsey.
Contact:
caroline.zentner | caroline.zentner@uleth.ca