Otto Schwelb, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, passed away on November 26, 2014, aged 86. He gave decades of exemplary service to Concordia, where he worked from 1967 to 1997 as a professor of electrical engineering.
“Otto’s commitment to his students both at the undergraduate and the graduate level was outstanding, and was an inspiration to younger professors in the department,” says Christopher Trueman, associate dean of Academic Affairs for the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.
Trueman first met Schwelb when both were graduate students at McGill University, not knowing then that they would go on to become long-time colleagues in Concordia’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Trueman lauds Schwelb’s many contributions, including improving a microwave engineering elective course, especially the lab component, which had initially been a demonstration for students. Under Schwelb’s leadership it evolved into a hands-on lab that taught the fundamental measurement methods and prepared students to work in industry.
Robert Paknys, another of Schwelb’s colleagues in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, remembered his former colleague as a special person who made memorable impressions on both colleagues and students. “He had a flair for discipline and mathematical rigor. He was a very resourceful and practical engineer.”
Schwelb leaves behind his wife, Hélène Densky, two children, three grandchildren, and numerous other loving family members. His family will receive condolences at La Maison Darche funeral home on Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Service de répit Emergo (Autism).
La Maison Darche
7679 boul. Taschereau
Brossard, Québec