It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, Associate Professor Richard Hovey, on November 28, 2025.
Born and raised in Quebec, Richard was an alumnus of Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education in 1982 and a Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology. He later completed a PhD in Health Philosophy at the University of Calgary.
Richard joined the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences in 2012 as an Assistant Professor, bringing more than 30 years of teaching and pedagogical experience, including his role as Director of Programs in the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. At Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾, he taught courses in dental public health, applied qualitative health research, leadership and management skills in research, and served as course director for ethics and jurisprudence.ÌýHe was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018.
His research focused on bridging theory and practice in patient-centered care and healthcare communication. Using a hermeneutic approach, examining how humans derive meaning from language and symbolic expression, Professor Hovey explored the lived experiences of individuals with chronic illness, chronic pain, cancer, disability, and the effects of medically induced trauma and medical errors, including his own experience living with cancer and chronic pain from a previous cycling accident. Professor Hovey fostered a bidirectional and inclusive approach to learning. His classes were never just about content—they were about conversation, connection, and seeing the human side of research.
A tribute to Richard Hovey will take place during the Faculty's annual Research Day on March 31, and a tribute and lowering of the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ flag is scheduled to take place at the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Senate meeting on February 11.Ìý
Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Angela, and his family. We are deeply grateful for Richard’s many contributions and for the warmth and wisdom he shared with our community.
Elham Emami
Dean and Professor
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