Our Professor Emeritus Ken Selby
passed away at age 89 in Toronto on August 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne, three children and seven grandchildren.
Ken completed his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering (CivE 5T7), as well as an MBA, at the University of Toronto and a PhD at the University of Illinois. As a professor at U of T, he was a faculty member of Civil Engineering from 1963 to his retirement in 1997. His focus was on construction-related courses.
He began at U of T as Senior Ford Fellow in 1963, becoming assistant professor in 1964, rising to associate professor in 1967 and gained promotion to full professor in 1988.
In 1973 Ken, along with Professor Emeritus John Timusk, launched U of T’s first concrete canoe in Toronto Harbour, marking the beginning of the popular student club.
A scholarship in Ken’s name was established upon his retirement:
Kenneth A. Selby Scholarship in Construction Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering. This scholarship was established in 1997 by Kenneth A. Selby, BASc, MBA, PhD (ILL), PEng. The award is granted to a student entering fourth-year Civil Engineering and based on financial need. Academic achievement in the program and particular ability and creativity in the field of construction engineering, specifically second and third-year construction engineering-related courses will also be considered.
Anne Selby recalls, “He also enjoyed arbitration and mediation in construction disputes during his last active years. During sabbaticals, and generally, Ken enjoyed active work appointments in relevant formal experiences in the civil engineering field.” Further adding, “Sometimes life is too busy, though Ken thoroughly enjoyed his Civil Engineering career and contacts.”
There will be an interment service on Friday September 20, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Park Lawn Cemetery, followed by a Life Celebration at the Old Mill 2-4 p.m.
Faculty Council will offer a memorial tribute at its next meeting on October 24.
An obituary was published in The Globe and Mail, and is available online as well.