Larkin Kerwin

Larkin Kerwin, born on June twenty-second, nineteen twenty-four, in Quebec City, was a distinguished Canadian physicist and politician. He pursued his studies in physics at St. Francis Xavier University before earning a master's degree at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Science from Université Laval, where he later served as Chairman of the Department of Physics from nineteen sixty-one to nineteen sixty-seven.

Kerwin's contributions to the field of physics extended beyond academia. He held the esteemed position of president of the Canadian Association of Physicists from nineteen fifty-four to nineteen fifty-five. His leadership was further recognized when he became the first president of the Canadian Space Agency, a role in which he coined the term 'Canadarm.' His tenure as President of the National Research Council of Canada from nineteen eighty to nineteen eighty-nine marked a significant period in his career, during which he received the Gold Medal from the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers in nineteen eighty-two.

In addition to his national achievements, Kerwin made a mark on the international stage as president of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics from nineteen eighty-seven to nineteen ninety. His accolades include being made an Officer of the Order of Canada in nineteen seventy-eight and later promoted to Companion in nineteen eighty. He was also honored with an honorary doctorate from Concordia University in nineteen seventy-six and received the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada in nineteen eighty-seven.

Kerwin's legacy is further enriched by his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, where he served as president from nineteen seventy-six to nineteen seventy-seven. His contributions to science and society were recognized with honors such as the Officer of the National Order of Quebec and the Légion d'honneur de France. He passed away in Quebec City, leaving behind a legacy of eight children and a profound impact on the fields of physics and public service.