Memorial service to be held for longtime Sociology professor

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 11, for longtime Sociology professor Don Von Eschen, who died at his home on Dec. 28, at the age of 81.

By McGill Reporter Staff

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 11, for longtime Sociology professor Don Von Eschen, who died at his home on Dec. 28, at the age of 81.

The service will be held in the Birks Chapel, 3520 University St., from 3 to 5 p.m. and a reception will follow.

Dr. Von Eschen, who taught at McGill for 43 years, was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth, who died in 2010. He is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

Born in Emmetsberg, Iowa, in December 1934, Dr. Von Eschen came to McGill in 1967, having enjoyed a distinguished academic career as a student at Johns Hopkins University (PhD’67), the University of Chicago (MA’60), and Beloit College (BA’56). He also taught at Universidad de Chile, in 1965 and at Vanderbilt University from 1964-67.

Teaching and the sharing of ideas where his passions. Dr. Von Eschen’s primary areas of academic interest were Social Change, Historical Sociology, Comparative Sociology, Development, Political Economy, Political Sociology, Social Movements and Ideal Social Systems.

Those who plan on attending the Memorial Service, and/or who may wish to speak at it, are asked to get in touch with Sociology Professor Axel van den Berg by email at axel.vandenberg@mcgill.ca. Additionally, if you cannot attend but would like to share your thoughts, Prof. Van den Berg is collecting messages to be read at the service.