UPEI community saddened by death of Dr. Richard Kurial

The University of Prince Edward Island community is saddened by the recent death of Dr. Richard Kurial, associate professor of history. 

A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Kurial came to the University of Prince Edward Island in 1993 to teach in the Department of History. He taught American History, American Foreign Policy, Canadian American Relations, and Race & Ethnicity in America. He retired from his position at UPEI on July 1 of this year.

During his tenure at UPEI, he served as Dean of Arts from 2002 to 2011. He was president of the UPEI Faculty Association when it was certified as a union in August 2001, and he chaired the provincial Task Force on Student Achievement in 2005.

Dr. Kurial was the author of numerous publications on American foreign policy. In 2003, he published a book, FDR, the Vatican, and the Roman Catholic Church in America. In 2005, he completed “A Legacy of Friendship,” a permanent historical interpretive exhibit at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park on Campobello Island. 

Dr. Kurial held a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia (1976), a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto (1980), and a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (1990). 

"On behalf of the University community, I extend condolences to Richard’s family, friends, and colleagues,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI. “Richard was highly regarded as a scholar and a professor. He will be missed.”

The flags at Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place have been lowered to half-mast in memory of Dr. Kurial. 

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Kurial will be held on Sunday, July 9, at the Belvedere Funeral Home, 175 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the funeral home from 11 am to noon.