| Title | It's a Laing story: the life and times of an icon |
| |
| Author | Williams, G |
| Source | Atlantic Geoscience Society, abstracts, 41st Colloquium & Annual General Meeting 2015; Atlantic Geology vol. 51, no. 1, 2015 p. 136, https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2015.005  Open
Access |
| Links | Online - En ligne
|
| Image |  |
| Year | 2015 |
| Alt Series | Natural Resources Canada, Contribution Series 20200353 |
| Publisher | Atlantic Geoscience Society |
| Meeting | Atlantic Geoscience Society, 41st Colloquium & Annual General Meeting 2015; Sackville, NB; CA; January 30-31, 2015 |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf |
| Subjects | paleontology; Persons; Science and Technology; geologists; Biographies |
| Program | GEM2: Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals Baffin Petroleum Systems |
| Released | 2015 01 30 |
| Abstract | One of the most momentous events in the geological lore of Nova Scotia during the last fifty years has been the recognition of the Fossil Cliffs of Joggins as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A major
contributor to this achievement was Laing Ferguson, whose role as an innovative thinker in geology is being recognized by the dedication of a special session at the 2015 Colloquium of the Atlantic Geoscience Society (AGS). The groundwork for Laing's
career was laid at Edinburgh University, where he graduated with a B.Sc., honours geology in 1958, and a Ph.D. in paleontology in 1960. Following graduation, Laing and his wife, Joyce, moved to Edmonton, Alberta, in 1960, before settling in Sackville
in 1962, where he became an associate professor of geology at Mount Allison University. In his early years at Mount Allison, Laing became intrigued by the Joggins section and especially its plant fossils. A dramatic find during his exploration of
Joggins was the trail of the giant Arthropleura, an arthropod that could be up to two metres long. Laing included an illustration of this monster in his popular geology book, The Fossil Cliffs of Joggins. The book was a milestone for several reasons,
but mainly because it could be read by anyone with an interest in geology. This passion for outreach coincided with his role as chief instigator in the production of the Atlantic Geoscience Society's Geological Highway Map of New Brunswick and Prince
Edward Island, published in 1985. Laing served on AGS Council for many years, being President in 1982. He was the first recipient of its Distinguished Service Award in 1989, given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Society. This
award was subsequently renamed the Laing Ferguson Distinguished Service Award given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Society. The Lifetime Membership Award was inaugurated in 1999 by AGS, especially to honour Laing. To date,
there are only two other recipients. Outside geology, Laing has led an exemplary life, being President of Amnesty International Canada from 1976 to 1978. For many years he was at the forefront of efforts to free political prisoners and in the fight
against repressive regimes. Laing was a great geological teacher and researcher, who was also a gifted humanitarian. The world needs more people of his ilk. |
| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
Laing Ferguson, for many years, for many years Professor and Chair of the Department of Geology at Mount Allison University, made some major
contributions to our understanding of Carboniferous fossils and paleoenvironments. He was one of the promoters of the drive to make Joggins a World Heritage Fossil Site, which it became in 2008. But Laing's interests were far-ranging. He was
active in Amnesty International, being President of the Canadian Chapter from 1976-1978, and a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Sackville. Perhaps most important of all he was a great mentor. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 327071 |
|
|