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The Queen’s community is remembering Principal Emeritus William C. Leggett, who served as the university's Principal and Vice-Chancellor from 1994 to 2004. He passed away in Kingston on Feb. 13 at the age of 86.

An internationally respected biologist and experienced academic administrator, Dr. Leggett brought to Queen’s a deep belief in evidence-based decision-making and institutional ambition. As only the second scientist to serve as principal, he was known for challenging the university to benchmark itself against leading institutions in Canada and beyond.

“Bill’s passion for Queen’s and his high expectations for the university were unwavering,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “He served Queen’s with distinction and in the years after he stepped down, he found new ways to continue that work, especially by fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Kingston and its community. For me personally he was a strong support, an experienced, good-natured advisor, and a most valued friend.”

Raised in Orangeville, Ontario, Dr. Leggett earned his BA from Waterloo University College (now Wilfrid Laurier University) in 1962. He went on to complete an MSc in Zoology at the University of Waterloo in 1965 and a PhD at McGill University in 1969.
He spent more than two decades at McGill, as a faculty member and senior academic leader, including roles as Chair of Biology, Dean of Science, and Vice-Principal (Academic).

Over his 10 years at Queen’s, the university embarked on an unprecedented period of campus renewal, reshaping its physical landscape with new academic facilities and student residences, including Chernoff Hall, Goodes Hall, Beamish-Munro Hall, Watts Hall, and Leggett Hall, named in his honour. The era was also defined by Queen’s growing national prominence, increased opportunities for students to study abroad, a landmark fundraising campaign, and a rise in research support that more than doubled external funding.

Dr. Leggett’s contributions to biological science and Canadian higher education earned him numerous national and international honours. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and received honorary degrees from several Canadian universities. His many distinctions also included the Fry Medal of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, the Award of Excellence in Fisheries Education, the Oscar A. Sette Award of the American Fisheries Society, and the Award of Excellence from the American Fisheries Society.

Claire and Bill Leggett at the grand opening of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in 2014.

His influence can be seen across the university, in its research excellence, expanded campus, and in the many colleagues and students who benefited from his guidance and example. The Claire and Bill Leggett Seminar Room at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts reflects his and his wife Claire’s longstanding support of Queen’s academic and cultural life, providing a dedicated space for teaching, learning, and community engagement.

The flag on campus will be lowered in honour of Dr. Leggett on Feb. 18, 2026.

In keeping with his wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to .

Read the for Dr. Leggett online.