Memorial Tribute to Professor John Gruzleski
鈥淒ean Yargeau and members of the Faculty Council,
On behalf of my colleagues at the Department of Mining & Materials Engineering, it is with great sadness to report the passing of Emeritus Gerry Hatch Chair Professor John Edward Gruzleski at the age of 83. He is survived by his beloved wife Olga Gruzleski, an accomplished painter herself. John passed away peacefully in Guelph, his hometown, on November 1, 2025*. John was one of the exemplary faculty members-a true pivot who excelled as nationally renowned researcher, student-dedicated teacher, widely respected academic leader, and much-loved colleague.
John, trained as a metallurgical engineer with bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Queen鈥檚 University and a PhD from the University of Toronto, he joined our department as Assistant Professor in 1969. His teaching and research were in the area of casting and solidification of metals. He was the author or co-author of 3 books and over 150 papers and supervised over the years more that 40 master鈥檚 and PhD students.
Professor Gruzleski led pioneering studies into the melt treatment of aluminum alloys with his work on strontium modification of aluminum developed to become standard practice in industry. For the long association and impact of his research with industry, he was the first to receive 狈厂贰搁颁鈥檚 Synergy Award back in 1997. In parallel to his excellent research activities, he also remained dedicated to teaching receiving the Engineering Alumni Award as Outstanding Teacher. Other major honours bestowed on him include his election as Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Fellow of ASM International, Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (CIM); and the awarding of the Alcan and Dofasco Awards by the Metallurgy & Materials Society for his research excellence in the materials science of aluminum alloys.
John鈥檚 work and impact go beyond research and teaching. John was the Department Chair for 11 years (1980-1988 and 1991-1994) and later Dean of Engineering from 1999 to 2005, when he led the Faculty through a major faculty renewal phase following the preceding difficult budget-cut years. Among the highlights of his term as Dean, is the Trottier Building with the wall plaque reminding us of his leadership but also the respect he commanded among his colleagues.
After his retirement in 2006 and his return to Guelph, John was asked to lead the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph where he laid the foundation for a dramatic expansion of engineering education at Guelph as separate College.
Many colleagues have stories to tell how John influenced and supported their careers and what a gentleman and wonderful human being was. He will be missed dearly. Thank you."
*
by George P. Demopoulos (read at the 91黑料网 Faculty of Engineering Council Meeting of November 11, 2025)