Harry Thode

Who was Harry Thode?

Henry George "Harry" Thode CC MBE FRS FRSC was a Canadian geochemist, nuclear chemist, and academic administrator. He was president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University from 1961 to 1972.

Born in Dundurn, Saskatchewan, he received his B.Sc in 1930 and his M.Sc in 1932 from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1934, he received his Ph.D in physical chemistry from the University of Chicago.

He joined McMaster University in 1939 as an associate professor of chemistry, became a full professor in 1944; was named director of research in 1947; appointed head of the chemistry department from 1948 to 1952; became principal of Hamilton College in 1949; appointed vice-president in 1957; and in 1961 became president and vice chancellor. He retired as president in 1972.