The former USask chancellor and distinguished alumnus died on July 2 from cancer.
USask President Peter Stoicheff said His Honour had a profound impact on the university, the province and the country, and will be sadly missed.
“The University of Saskatchewan community sends its deepest condolences to His Honour Tom Molloy’s family and to all who knew him. He was a true nation builder, reconciliation leader, superb chancellor, and wonderful man,” President Stoicheff said.
The university community was proud that from 2001 to 2007 Molloy served as the university’s chancellor. He obtained a bachelor’s of arts degree from the College of Arts and Science in 1964 and his law degree from the College of Law the same year. He was an officer of the Order of Canada, received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and was known for leading influential land claims agreements across the country.
He was perhaps best known as the lead negotiator in talks that led to the creation of Nunavut in 1993. During a career of public service spanning almost four decades, he concluded the historic Nisga’a Treaty settlement in 2000 in British Columbia and was involved in claims negotiations with First Nations in several other provinces and territories.
In January of 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Molloy as the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. Molloy stated in his March 21, 2018 installation speech: “Reconciliation will not be easy, but it is critical to the future of our country. It requires of each of us, a willingness to operate outside of our comfort zones, and to make a concerted effort towards relationship building.”
Known for his humility, His Honour stated in his installation speech: “I never imagined that I would write a book, or become Chancellor of my alma mater—the University of Saskatchewan. And I certainly never dreamt I would one day represent Canada’s Queen. But here I am—thanks to the skills and support of all who influenced my early years as a student, and throughout my life.”
He will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues across the university and throughout the province and beyond.
The USask flag will fly at half mast until the end of the day of His Honour’s memorial service.
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