Edgar Pye, who formed the Ontario Geological Survey in 1972, has died.
A geology graduate of the University of Toronto, Pye began his career in 1948, mapping iron formations in Ashmore and Errington twps., near Geraldton, Ont., as an assistant to the resident geologist at Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay.
In 1952, he was given the title government geologist, and subsequently served as resident geologist himself at Port Arthur.
He believed strongly in public education, and, in addition to offering prospecting classes to the public, published the first in a series of geology and scenery guidebooks on the Thunder Bay area.
In 1966, he moved back to Toronto to work as as chief geologist of the former Geological Branch, and in 1972 he became its first director.
He was largely responsible for the transformation of the Geological Branch into the Ontario Geological Survey shortly after government restructuring in 1972, when the Ministry of Natural Resources was formed.
Among new initiatives undertaken during Pye’s tenure with the OGS were: the Jack Satterly geochronology laboratory at the Royal Ontario Museum; synoptic mapping in the field; expanded mineral deposit studies; the Ontario Geoscience Research Grants program; and the province’s core library.
Pye retired in November 1983 after serving 35 years with the government.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce.
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