Wayne Clifton, whose name is synonymous with geotechnical engineering, is the 2020 recipient of the RF Legget Medal.
The RF Legget Medal is the most senior and prestigious Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS) award. It is given for significant lifelong contribution to the geotechnical field in Canada.
Wayne grew up in a homesteading family in southern Saskatchewan and completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Saskatchewan before he took up a prestigious Athlone Fellowship in London. This led to a DIC from Imperial College and an MSc from the University of London.
This busy overseas posting also included a role as a tank commander with the Canadian Armed Forces in Germany.
Wayne worked for the Saskatchewan Department of Highways before starting Clifton Associates Ltd., in 1978. It is the largest independent consulting firm in the province.
Wayne established the current state of geotechnical practice for major crossings of the North and South Saskatchewan rivers and was the first to integrate novel methods of site characterization, hydrogeology and geotechnical analyses into the design and remediation of numerous bridges.
As well, the underpinning of the Saskatchewan Legislature along with remediation of the adjacent Wascana Lake were historic contributions.
Wayne also led numerous development projects in nearly every sector of the mining and energy resource industries of western Canada. Numerous government panels at all levels called on Wayne to provide senior leadership on major environmental, regulatory and research initiatives.
That commitment to the broader community is exemplified by a dedication to the two provincial universities, sports and community organizations and innumerable technical and professional societies.
But the signature mark of Wayne’s career has been his life-long commitment in mentoring young geoscientists and engineers. It’s a commitment marked by an inexhaustible investment of time and resources that has changed the lives of dozens.
Indeed, Wayne’s most enduring contribution is his contribution to people.
Wayne lost his father at an early age and his time with the Canadian Forces provided an opportunity for Wayne to complete his education, but it also put him in the line of duty on several occasions.
This had a lasting impact on many people. The impact of being called to duty is entrenched in Wayne and he sees it as a duty to help others and to enable them.
Wayne has returned the favour of being able to attend university by offering the same opportunity to young people that Clifton Associates Ltd. has employed or engaged over the years.
It’s common to hear stories from former and current employees of Clifton Associates of how Wayne would send then-employees back to school to pursue additional education while still receiving a salary.
Wayne’s story of enabling and empowering people to grow and to succeed has been a call of duty for him.
Wayne was recognized on Sept. 14 in a ceremony during the 73rd annual CGS conference, GeoVirtual 2020. He will be recognized in person at the CGS/IAH-CNC Awards banquet of the 74th annual CGS conference and 14th joint CGS/IAH-CNC groundwater conference, GeoNiagara 2021.
Wayne’s acceptance speech will be published in the December 2020 issue of the CGS member magazine, Canadian Geotechnique – The CGS Magazine.
• With files from Lee Barbour