In Memoriam for Alfred Rudin (1924–2011)
I took my first polymer science and engineering course from Dr. Alfred Rudin in the early 1990s. In the class, we used the first edition of this book. It was published in 1982 and was a result of a correspondence course given by Alf to “distance” students, mostly part-time students from local industry, at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Since the book had been adopted by many universi versiti ties es,, he upda update ted d it in 1999 1999 (sec (secon ond d edit editio ion) n).. Abou Aboutt two two year yearss ago, ago, Alf Alf approached me to ask if I would be interested in doing the third edition. I was flattered and agreed on the spot. Here, I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere gratitude to Alf for his trust in me. Unfortunately, during the preparation of this edition, Alf passed away. It was a loss to the polymer community to which Alf had contributed significantly. Dr. Alfred Rudin was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on February 5, 1924. He grew up in a small coal-mining town of Nordegg, that is about 200 km southwest of Edmonton. When he was 17, he enlisted in the Canadian Army as an underage 1 2 years. He went from the Army to soldier and served for the Signal Corps for 3 / the Univer Universit sity y of Albert Albertaa in Edmon Edmonton ton to furthe furtherr his educati education. on. He gradua graduated ted from an honors chemistry program in 1949. In the same year, Alf married Pearl and went to Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, where he did his doctoral work with Prof. Herman Pines in the area of catalytic organic chemistry. In 1952, Alf, with Pearl, returned to Canada and started to work for the Central Laboratory of Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) in McMasterville, Quebec, in a variety of research and managerial positions. In 1967, he moved to the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo as a professor and stayed there for the rest of his career. Alf authored and co-authored almost 300 refereed publications and and was was gran grante ted d 25 pate patent nts. s. Over Over the the cour course se of his his aca acade demi micc career career,, Alf Alf and and Dr. Kennet Kenneth h F. O’Dris O’Driscol coll, l, a chemic chemical al engine engineeri ering ng profes professor sor,, cofoun cofounded ded the Institute for Polymer Research at the University of Waterloo. Today, the Institute includes about 20 professors and many corporate members. In the late 1970s, Alf and Dr. Alan Plumtree, a mechanical engineering professor, upon a request from the International Development Research Centre, designed a pump that is suitable for small villages in developing countries. The so-called Waterloo Pump that they designed is inexpensive, corrosion resistant, and easily repairable by people living in developing countries. Today, millions of people living in developing countries get their water using such pumps. Alf was a remarkable mentor who inspired many students. In my view, he had the passion and the unique abilities and insights to inspire and to advise students xix
xx
In Memoriam for Alfred Rudin
with very diverse backgrounds. In fact, all of his former graduate students really appreciated his hints, comments, and advice on both technical and non-technical matters. Owing to his thoughtful advice, many of us have embarked on enjoyable and successful careers. Alf was a life-long learner. I witnessed him learning how to use a computer in his mid-sixties. In fact, Alf prepared the soft version of the entire manuscript of the second edition of this book on his own. Alf received many awards for his accomplishments in his career. In particular, he received the Protective Coatings Award of the Chemical Institute of Canada and shared a Roon Award of the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology in 1988. He was the first recipient of the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award of the Chemical Institute of Canada in 1989. Alf was a fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology. He was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo. After Alf finished with his last graduate student, he and Pearl moved to Toronto to enjoy their city life and to spend more time with their three sons, Jonathan, Jeremy, and Joel, and their families. Alf was a devoted storytelling grandfather of Shira, Jacob, and Arielle. I will always remember Alf as a great advisor with broad scientific knowledge and as a kind person of good humor.
