Persona

Crossman, Les

Dr. Lester G. Crossman was with the English Department of the University of Regina from 1945 to 1980. Born in Rosetown on 24 May 1913, he attended the Saskatoon Normal School from 1932 to 1933, after which he taught in rural schools near Rosetown for two years. Crossman attended the University of Saskatchewan from 1935 to 1941, where he received a B.A. in 1938, Honours English in 1939, and a B.Ed. in 1941. After a teaching stint at the Rosetown High School in 1941-1942, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, became a navigator, and was stationed in England until his discharge and appointment at Regina College in 1945. In the meantime, he married Margaret Hutcheon in 1944. Crossman completed his M.A. from the University of Saskatchewan in1946, and his PhD from the University of Washington in 1957. He was Supervisor of Matriculation and Adult Admissions programs from 1965-1973, Chairman of the English Department from 1967-1970, a member of the Division IV English Curriculum committee which published revisions for Saskatchewan schools in 1970-1980, and member of the selection committee for the Leacock Medal for Humour from 1977-1980. He also served on various federal, provincial and municipal arts and academic bodies. After his retirement in 1980, Dr. Crossman became Professor Emeritus of English, and received an Honorary Degree from the University of Regina in Spring of 1983 in recognition of his service to the University. He currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia.