Dave Strangway is living proof that self-generating geophysical dynamos don't exist solely in the liquid outer layer of the earth's core. He is being elected to Honorary Membership of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists for his enormous contributions to the exploration geophysical industry, to the geophysical profession in its broadest sense, and to the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, which, of course, he has most recently served as Vice-President.
     His career spans industry, academia and government advisory committees. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1956 with a B.A. in Physics and Geology, having spent his summers doing fieldwork for mining and oil companies. After a year spent heading up the geophysics program for Ventures Ltd. (now Falconbridge) he returned to the University of Toronto to complete his Ph.D. by 1960. His influential thesis work on the magnetic properties of dykes from the Precambrian Shield was carried out in the basement of the famous old house at 49 St. George Street, which served at various times as a laboratory for the likes of Gilchrist, Keevil, Brant, Bullard and Wilson, not to mention an unofficial assortment of bats and mice.
     Dave's university teaching career began in 1961 at the University of Colorado in Boulder where he introduced courses in exploration geophysics and in physics of the earth in the Geology Department. At the same time, with a number of graduate students, he studied the paleomagnetism of the rocks of the Western United States.
     In 1965 he began three enjoyable and formative years at MIT. Apart from his teaching there he continued his fundamental researches in paleomagnetism and electromagnetic prospecting. It was during this critical period that he decided to participate in the planned Apollo lunar explorations.
     He returned in 1968 to the University of Toronto as a physics professor in the geophysics group. He was appointed a principal investigator for the study of returned lunar samples and his work showed clear signs of the existence of an ancient lunar magnetic field.
     In 1970, his career took a new turn which has profoundly affected his life right up to today. He was invited to join NASA as the Chief of the Geophysics Branch while on leave from the University of Toronto. This introduced Dave to large-scale research planning, organization and administration. It is doubtful to me that even he could have anticipated the natural talent he has displayed in these spheres ever since. He was responsible for the geophysical aspects of the Apollo missions, including experiment selection, astronaut training, site-selection and real-time mission support. He chaired numerous panels and committees. Meanwhile, he still directed paleomagnetic measurements on moon rocks and planned a successful electromagnetic sounding experiment which was carried on the last expedition to the moon!
     Then, in 1973, the latest phase of his career at the University of Toronto began. He returned from Houston to take over as Chairman of the Geology Department. He held the position until 1980 when he was appointed Vice-President and Provost of the University, a position which he now holds. (He is currently Acting President). Among the many things he has achieved in this period I would single out four.
     Firstly, he coordinated and motivated the historically distinct geology and geophysics faculties to apply successfully to a Negotiated Development Grant in excess of $1,000,000 from the National Research Council. This had an enormously beneficial effect on research programs in both groups. Secondly, he promoted successfully the idea that the Province of Ontario should financially support university earth scientific research. This is now an extremely popular program. Thirdly, he coordinated the joint development between the Departments of Physics and Geology of the ultra-sensitive accelerator-mass-spectrometer, known as ISOTRACE, the technical brainchild (at least partly) of Ted Litherland. Finally, during his later years as Department Chairman, and more recently as Provost, he has led the seemingly hopeless drive to redevelop a major portion of the University into a Centre for Natural Resources. Against all odds, approval and funding have just been granted for the Centre by the Provincial government. With the University's contribution to the project, which will house geology, geography, botany, zoology, forestry and environmental science, will cost more than $40,000,000.
     Dave's list of honors and more than a hundred publications are too numerous to detail. But it should be emphasized that throughout all this activity with NASA and several universities, he has kept close ties with industry and remains a highly sought-after consultant.
     It comes as a shock, then, to most people meeting him for the first time, to find a very relaxed, pleasant person who has time for a chat and a concern for their problems. His basic decency and integrity work wonders. You have to like him.
     How does one briefly characterize such a uniquely talented, dynamic geophysicist? A man who is a leader in pure and applied research and who is an extraordinary research director and administrator? How about a man for all field seasons?

     Derek York