Doerksen Bugs

George Peter Doerksen was born July 5^th, 1940 in Pitt Meadows. He completed his secondary education at Maple Ridge High School, graduating in 1958. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and bacteriology from the University of British Columbia in 1963. After graduation, he taught elementary school for one year in Quesnel. During the following two academic years, he taught high school biology and chemistry at Saint Ann’s Academy, New Westminster.

From 1967 to 1969 he attended Western Washington State College in Bellingham and graduated with a Master of Science degree in biology. His thesis was a survey of the internal helminth parasites of the muskrat in southwestern British Columbia.

During the school year 1969/70 he taught biology, general science, and mathematics at the Colegio Internacional de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela. During the summer of 1970, he studied at the University of Oklahoma biology station on Lake Texoma, making the acquaintance of Dr. James W. Hardin. In the fall of 1970, he began doctoral studies in entomology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. During the first summer session of 1973, he was appointed instructor of insect biology.

He obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on May 11^th, 1974 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Unfortunately, he died suddenly in 1981 on Vancouver Island while pursuing his research. He is remembered fondly in our little community, and by his many friends and colleagues he met during his short life. His bug collection is a highlight for many children who visit the museum, so his memory will continue to live on and inspire young scientists in the future.

Doerksen Bug Collection

The insects in our bug collection (and on display at the Pitt Meadows Museum) were collected from various locations in North and South America by George P. Doerksen.

As a teacher, scientist and researcher Mr. Doerksen travelled widely in North and South America to collect, photograph and document insects. His particular interest was the dragonfly, but the bulk of his collection is butterflies, most from Venezuela.

In 1982 following the death of George, Justina Doerksen (his mother) donated her sons collection to the Museum, where it has been proudly on display since. His family donated lots of his research and materials to other institutions as well, photographs and field notes were donated to the British Columbia Museum.

To everyone who visits and marvels at the Bug Collection, thank you, George!