COULTER, Gerry
Gerry Coulter died suddenly on November 24, 2016.
He was born Bernard Gerard Coulter in Kingston Ontario on August 14 1959 to Madeline and Gerald Coulter, both of whom are deceased.
After taking a BA in Philosophy and History, then an MA in Sociology at Queen’s University, Gerry completed his Doctoral degree in Philosophy (Sociology) at Carleton in 1992.
Gerry’s academic teaching career began at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon in 1992, where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen. After a year teaching at Carleton, Gerry joined the faculty of the Sociology Department at Bishop’s University in 1994 where he contributed to the growth of the department and the success of the university until his death. He was extensively published including three books and about 100 articles. He founded the innovative, free-access International Journal of Baudrillard Studies in 2004, and is recognized across the world as the expert on Baudrillard and his ideas.
Gerry was an extraordinarily talented and caring professor. He was appreciated and respected as a faculty member who inspired and encouraged students to discover their strength and worth. Gerry was awarded Bishop’s University’s highest award for teaching - the William and Nancy Turner prize. In the words of former student Laura Smith, “Gerry was not only my favorite professor and the reason that I’ve kept on with academia and Baudrillard studies, but a true friend. It was the support, encouragement, and positivity from Gerry that propelled me onwards at many forks in the road. The amazing thing is that, as you know, this inspiration and encouragement was felt by so very many students. Gerry’s teaching allowed students to challenge their own assumptions in ways that pointed them not toward a predetermined end, but toward developing confidence in their own critical thinking ability. This generous, infinite gift – developing one’s inner well of strength – will stay with me my entire life.”
Gerry loved keeping in touch with many of his students in the years after they studied with him.
Gerry is survived by his partner of 23 years, Mary Ellen Donnan, and beloved canine companions Kai and Samantha.
Visitation will take place at the Cass Funeral Home, 3006 College St. Sherbrooke (Lennoxville), on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be at St. Mark’s Chapel Bishop’s University on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. Rev Heather Thomson officiating.
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