W. Parker Alford *54

Parker Alford, professor of physics emeritus of the University of Western Ontario, died March 11, 2015. He was 87.

In 1949, Alford received a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Western Ontario. He then earned a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton in 1954. For the next 24 years, Alford taught and did research in the physics department at the University of Rochester.

Alford then returned to Western Ontario, where he chaired the physics department. In 1992, he became professor emeritus. In retirement, he moved to Vancouver Island, where he spent his final years. Alford remained involved with TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics.

He and his wife spent much time abroad in the Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, and Australia. Regarded as a gentleman, Alford fostered many friendships that were a source of great pleasure to him.

In 2010, Alford was predeceased by Jeanette, his wife of 61 years. He is survived by two sons; a granddaughter; and three siblings, including Peter ’60. A daughter died in 1977.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.