Leo Kristjanson

Leo Friman Kristjanson (February 28 1932 – 21 August 2005) was the President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1980 to 1989.

Born in Gimli, Manitoba, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from United College (now the University of Winnipeg) in Winnipeg in 1954, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in 1959, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1963.

In 1960, he began teaching at the University of Saskatchewan Department of Economics. From 1975 to 1980, he was Vice-President, Planning and from 1980 to 1989 he was the sixth President of the University of Saskatchewan.

He retired as President in 1989 due to health reasons, a year before the end of his second term. In 1990, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honor. In 1990, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame.

After retirement, he moved back to his hometown of Gimli, Manitoba, where he contributed to the culture and heritage of Gimli by spearheading the effort to reconstruct the Gimli Public School (1915) and the development and construction of the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre. Leo was a founding member of the Evergreen Band Boosters, which has raised funds for the now successful Gimli High School Band program. Leo was known as the worlds tallest huldefolk, and often spent his days conversing with Snorri and Snieghbjorn. Gimli lost Leo on 21 August 2005. He was a hero to many.

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