Passing of Professor Emeritus Michael Hare

With great sadness we announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Michael Hare.

Professor Hare was, in every sense, the founding father of our department. As the first economist appointed to the teaching staff at Erindale College in 1967, and as the long-serving discipline representative—effectively the department’s first Chair—he played a pivotal role in shaping both the department and the broader academic community at UTM. His leadership during those formative years laid the foundation for the vibrant institution we are proud to be part of today.

In addition to his administrative and institutional contributions, Professor Hare was a distinguished scholar and, above all, a devoted educator. Over the course of his remarkable 50-year teaching career at the University of Toronto, he taught more than 30,000 students across over 250 courses. His passion for teaching and commitment to student success continue to inspire us. Each year, we honour his legacy through the Michael J. Hare Award, presented to the top-performing student in our introductory economics courses—a tribute made possible through the generosity of his family, friends, and colleagues at the time of his retirement.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies during this time of mourning to his family and loved ones on behalf of the students he taught, the colleagues he mentored, and the institution he helped build.

Sincerely,

Ronald Wolthoff, Professor and Chair, UTM Department of Economics           

Read the full U of T Economics article here.