Remembering Dr. George Akhras

It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of Dr George Akhras peacefully at his home in Kingston, Ontario, Canada on the 5th of October 2022. Prior to his passing, Dr Akhras was appointmented as an Emeritus Professor in 2020 in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston. Prior to his retirement George Akhras was a Professor of Civil Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada and cross-appointed in the Mechanical Engineering and Physics Departments at RMC from 1987 until his retirement in 2020.

Professor Akhras was a long-time council member of the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructures(ISHMII). In addition to his expertise in structural health monitoring, and valuable technical contributions to ISHMII, he also served the society as the Vice President of Finance (2016- 2019). During the term of his service in ISHMII, George helped the society to excel in many initiatives improving the financial and international exposure of the society.

In addition, Professor Akhras also served as the president of Cansmart, the Canadian Smart Materials and Structures Group. As the president of Cansmart, George held yearly conferences furthering the use of advanced smart technologies for construction of smart structures. In addition to his academic appointmentment, George served as project manager for computer applications, numerical analysis and engineering projects in government and industry where he was regarded for his technical knowledge in structural design.

George was kind-hearted, approached daily life with good humor and valued colleagues and friends. George will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues and especially at ISHMII. Farewell our friend, and rest in peace.