Wayne McVey, Jr. (1932 – 2015)
Wayne McVey Jr. (1932 – 2015)
I am honored to say a few words about my colleague and longtime mentor, Dr. Wayne McVey who served as Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Studies in Population from 1992 to 2008. As a colleague, Wayne served a constant source of inspiration and support. I had the good fortune of not only being in the same department as Wayne at the University of Alberta, but to have also occupied an office just a few doors from his. I hold fond memories of the many conversations Wayne and I had on topics spanning a wide variety of subjects, from how to be a more effective teacher to the latest theory in sociological demography. His willingness to offer help and support in times of need was nothing short of remarkable. I shall miss his wise counsel and calming influence on me. Upon his retirement from the University of Alberta in 2006, Wayne characteristically offered me his vast library of demographic books, and his books are very dear to me. Wayne left an indelible imprint in my mind. Besides being a great colleague, he was a dedicated and loyal friend. I shall miss him dearly.
Professor Frank Trovato
Department of Sociology
University of Alberta
Dr. McVey was born in 1932 in Olympia, Washington. He earned a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Washington in 1965. That same year, he came to the University of Alberta to assist in the creation of the Population Research Laboratory in the Department of Sociology and to pursue doctoral studies in demography. (The Department of Sociology had been established just a few years earlier in 1961.) Dr. McVey served from 1966-1972 as the first Director of the Population Research Laboratory and as a Professional Officer in the Department from 1967-1974. In 1974, he received his PhD and was hired as an associate professor by the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta. He was promoted to full professor in 1982. He served as Associate Chair Graduate from 1981-1984. In 1971, Dr. McVey co-authored the first university text on Canadian population, The Demographic Bases of Canadian Society. A second edition followed in 1979. His attention to detail resulted in immaculate, elegant demographic charts and figures. In 1974 the journal Canadian Studies in Population was founded in the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta. Dr. McVey served subsequently as Editor and continued to support this journal for many years. It continues today as the only English-language demography journal in Canada. Dr. McVey was President of the Canadian Population Society from 1996-1998. Dr. McVey retired in 1998 and continued to support the demography program at the University of Alberta for years following his retirement. He was President (2000-2006) and Honorary Advisor (2007-2015) of the Society of Edmonton Demographers. The Department recognizes his legacy through the Wayne McVey Population Research Graduate Scholarship for MA Students endowed by the Society of Edmonton Demographers who created the Alberta Endowment Fund for Demographic Research at the University of Alberta.
All who knew, worked, and studied with Dr. McVey loved him. He was a great colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. He is remembered for his good-natured sunny disposition and sense of humor. He made life in the Department better for all. He is missed.
Herbert C. Northcott, PhD
Professor and Interim Chair
Department of Sociology
University of Alberta
May 20, 2015