In Memoriam: Dr. Daniel Maher, 1958-2021

The Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is mourning the loss of Dr. Daniel Maher, PhD, associate professor of French in the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Culture, who passed away on Sept. 1, 2021, at the age of 62.

Maher was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, on Oct. 11, 1958. He studied at Memorial University, Laval University, and the University of Dakar in Senegal before obtaining his PhD at Queen’s University.

During his many years of teaching at the University of Calgary he also served as interim dean of the former Faculty of Humanities, and as an associate dean, both in the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Arts. He was also a member of SATOR, an international French literature scholars’ group and he proudly volunteered for the Patients and Family Advisory Council for the new Calgary Cancer Centre.

Richard Sigurdson, dean of the Faculty of Arts, remembers Maher fondly: “As well as being a fine scholar and an amazing university teacher, Dan was simply the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. He blessed many people with his warmth, generosity and grace.”

Maher will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Betty; his sons, Joseph and Michael Maher; sisters Peggy (Michele), Susan and JoAnne (Ron); as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Due to COVID-19, a private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join the service, which will be streamed live. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will also be posted.

As someone who believed in the value of educational travel, in lieu of flowers, Maher requested donations go to the Dr. Rowland Smith Memorial Scholarship or the E. Catherine Barclay Scholarship for study in France.