In Memoriam: Roger Gibbins, Faculty of Arts

The University of Calgary mourns the death of Professor Emeritus, Political Science, Dr. Roger Gibbins, PhD, who passed away in Vancouver, B.C. on March 10, 2024, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Isabel Gibbins; sons Christopher (Lin) and Daniel Gibbins; brother Michael Gibbins (Betty); and his only grandchild, Dara Gibbins. 

Gibbins had a distinguished career in the field of political science and is recognized for his pioneering work on the politics of Western Canada, and as a former president of the Canada West Foundation. 

Gibbins spent nearly three decades researching and teaching at the University of Calgary where he served as the head of the political science department and the editor of the Canadian Journal of Political Science. He accepted a University of Calgary teaching position in 1973 and remained until 2002. Over the years he taught thousands of students as well as continuing to research and publish countless articles and books on the political identity of Western Canada, on subjects such as federalism, constitutional reform and Indigenous issues. His work made him a trusted voice to federal and provincial leaders, and he is fondly remembered by his former students and colleagues.

“Roger was a quiet, civil, kind, and respectful colleague with a hidden sense of humor that was sharp and intellectually astute,” says Dr. Tareq Ismael, PhD, professor in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts. “Roger's professional conduct and dedication to his scholarship earned him the respect of his colleagues. This culminated in him holding two term chairs as department head and becoming the Canadian Journal of Political Science editor and the association's president. 

“I often teased him about his car plate, 'POLI SCI,' and I used to tell him, ‘Even after you left, you claimed us,’ and he used to say, ‘Tareq, your department is my home, and you are my family.’ I shall miss Roger dearly, he was a kind colleague, a professional, and a proud Albertan — quite a distinction for a British Columbia gentleman.”

Born on April 17, 1947 in Prince George, B.C. to George and Frances Gibbins, an interest in history led him to study at Vancouver’s University of British Columbia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1969. Gibbins married his high school sweetheart, Isabel, in 1968 and after graduation, they moved to California where he pursued a master’s degree and doctorate in political science from Stanford University. 

In 1998, Gibbins became president of the Canada West Foundation, a non-partisan think tank based in Calgary, and he held the position until his retirement in 2012.

Among his many honours, Gibbins was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Diamond Jubilee Medals and was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence. He also received the Public Policy Forum Peter Lougheed Award, the Alberta Lieutenant-Governor’s Award and was a member of the Royal Society of Canada. He was recognized for his impactful academic leadership and research with an honorary degree from the University of Calgary in 2012. 

The University of Calgary offers deep thanks to Dr. Roger Gibbins for the contributions he made to the university, his research field and the community at large. The flag on Swann Mall will be lowered to half-mast on Aug. 15 to pay tribute to his life.