Richard E. Phillips
December 3, 1936 - November 9, 1999Richard Phillips, Section chair 1996-97, was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania. He received degrees from Otterbein College and the University of Kansas. He joined the Mathematics Department at Michigan State University in 1969, serving the university in numerous capacities, including department chair during 1991-94. He was an expert in infinite groups.
Professor Phillips was known for his affability. After serving his term as Section chair, he helped to recruit others to serve as Section officers. It was a shock to learn of his death, which came when he was an active faculty member.
Dick is survived by his wife of 34 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Phillips, two sons, and three grandchildren. The Section mourns this loss and offers its condolences to Dick Phillips's family. Friends in the Section are encouraged to contribute to the Memorial Scholarship Fund in his name that has been established by the MSU Mathematics Department.
A. Bruce Clarke
September 8, 1927 - November 26, 1999Bruce Clarke, Section chair 1969-70, was born in Saskatoon, Sas-katchewan. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Saskatchewan. Upon receiving his PhD from Brown University in 1951, he came to the University of Michigan as an instructor. He was a full professor of mathematics in Ann Arbor in 1967 when he was recruited by Western Michigan University to serve as chair of the Mathematics Department there. He served in that position from 1967 to 1978 and subsequently rose through the administrative ranks before retiring as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at WMU in 1991. Among his many contributions at WMU was the development of the doctoral program in mathematics.
Professor Clarke's many accomplishments attest to his energy and intelligence. He stayed active in retirement, voluntarily undertaking projects for the section as recently as a year ago.
Bruce is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Florence Clarke, three children, and four grandchildren. The Section mourns this loss and offers its condolences to Bruce Clarke's family.
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