James Wesley (Wes) Graham, an honorary CIPS member, was a computing pioneer who not only devoted many years of service to CIPS, but also gave the University of Waterloo its world-wide reputation. Wes passed away on August 23 just three days after he was invested as an officer of the Order of Canada in a private ceremony at his home by Ontario Lt. Gov. Hilary Weston. He received the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to computer science in Canada and throughout the world.
Wes was awarded CIPS Honorary membership in 1977 - one of the first members to have been bestowed the honour. Wes was also one of two CIPS members who served two terms as National President. Wes was President of CIPS in 1965-1966 and 1966-1967.
Among his many accomplishments are:
Wes was recognized as the father of computing at the University of Waterloo, being associated with the University as a Professor, as Director of the Computing Centre and as Dean of Computing and Communicatioons. He joined the Univeristy in 1959, only two years after it openned and remained until his retirement in 1997.
in the mid-1960s Wes developed breakthrough software that made it possible for all university students to use computers;
in the 1970s he helped design the first computer-studies curriculum for Ontario's high schools;
in the late 1970s he was believed to be the first to string a group of personal computers (PCs) together as a local area network;
Wes also designed an early portable computer that could be be moved from room-to-room in a high school;
in the early 1980s Wes pioneered the University of Waterloo's spin-off company Watcom.
CIPS extends its sincerest condolences to Wes's family and friends.
Wes was actively involved in fundraising for the Grand River Hospital and the family has requested that those wishing to make donations can do so to the: Grand River Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 9056,835 King St. W., Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1G3