Arthur Haberman, a professor emeritus in York University’s departments of history and humanities, passed away on Nov. 2 at age 85.
Haberman joined the University in 1967 and, although he retired in 2004, he continued to teach part-time until 2021.
During his time at York, Haberman contributed across the University in numerous ways and held several titles, including master (now called head) of Founders College, where he welcomed many new faculty members to York with warmth, humour and kindness.
“Arthur was a very special member of the department, notably for his brilliantly creative teaching and his sense of service to the University at all levels,” recalled Richard Hoffmann, a professor emeritus in the Department of History and a former colleague of Haberman’s. “More than most, he sought collegiality, even with those with whom he disagreed. Several of us who arrived in the early 1970s (now all retired) valued his thoughtful guidance.”
Haberman’s accolades include numerous teaching awards – from York University, the Ontario Confederation of University Teaching Associations and more. He also won the 3M Award from the Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education in Canada. In 1998, Now Magazine named him the best professor in Toronto.
Haberman was an intellectual historian of modern Europe who made significant contributions to the National Humanities Faculty in the U.S. and the Advanced Placement Program in European History. His published works include Modern Age: Ideas of Western Civilization, The Making of the Modern Age, Europe, 1859: In the Ebb and Flow of Modernity and several more. He also co-authored The West and the World: Contacts, Conflicts, Connections with York U Professor Adrian Shubert, a textbook that has been used extensively in the high-school global history curriculum.
“Arthur was a marvellous colleague who did so much for the teaching of history at York and beyond over the years,” said Jonathan Edmondson, a professor in the departments of history and humanities and a former colleague of Haberman’s. “As the Romans would say at such moments, sit tibi terra levis (may the earth rest lightly on you).”
In retirement, Haberman began writing mystery novels set in Toronto, eventually publishing seven instalments of his Detective Inspector Danny Miller mystery series.
Haberman will be deeply missed by a host of family, friends and colleagues.
A funeral service was held on Nov. 7 at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel in Toronto. Donations in the late professor’s memory can be made to the CAMH Foundation.