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Robert Folinsbee

1917 – 2008

Canadian geologist

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About Robert Folinsbee

Lived 1917 – 2008 (aged 91). Robert Folinsbee was a Canadian geologist.

Robert Edward Folinsbee (April 16, 1917 – May 1, 2008) was a Canadian geologist, whose work involved geochronology, ore deposits, and meteorites.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 from the University of Alberta, a Master of Science degree in 1940 and a Ph.D. in 1942 from the University of Minnesota. During World War II, he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot.

In 1946, he joined the University of Alberta as an assistant professor. He became an associate professor in 1950 and a full professor in 1955. He retired in 1978 and was appointed professor emeritus. From 1955 to 1969, he was the chairman of the Department of Geology.

Folinsbee was instrumental in establishing the Meteorite Observation and Recovery Program, which ran from 1971 to 1985.

He was president of the Geological Society of America (1975–1976) and the Royal Society of Canada (1977–1978).

In 1973, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1967, he was awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Willet G. Miller Medal.

The asteroid (187679) Folinsbee is named in his honour.

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Important facts

Birth century
Died
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Minnesota, University of Alberta
Positions held
President of the Geological Society of America
Employers
University of Alberta
Awards
Officer of the Order of Canada; Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada; Willet G. Miller Medal; Order of Canada
Also known as
Robert E. Folinsbee, Robert Edward Folinsbee

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert Folinsbee's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Folinsbee?

Canadian geologist (1917–2008)

When was Robert Folinsbee born?

Robert Folinsbee was born on 16 April 1917 in Edmonton.

When did Robert Folinsbee die?

Robert Folinsbee died on 1 May 2008.

What was Robert Folinsbee's occupation?

Robert Folinsbee was a geologist.

What nationality was Robert Folinsbee?

Robert Folinsbee was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Folinsbee

· Wikidata: Q7344415

· DBpedia: Robert Folinsbee

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Folinsbee. https://biography.guide/robert-folinsbee/

MLA: "Robert Folinsbee." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-folinsbee/.

Chicago: "Robert Folinsbee." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-folinsbee/.

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