Professor W. D. Liam Finn, after a long and distinguished career that shaped generations of engineers and advanced the field of earthquake geotechnical engineering, passed away on 24 December 2025 at the age of 92.
Professor Finn received his undergraduate education in civil engineering in Ireland and completed his graduate studies at the University of Washington by 1960. In the aftermath of the 1964 Niigata Earthquake, he turned his professional focus toward earthquake geotechnical engineering, at a time when major seismic events were reshaping understanding of soil behavior and motivating new approaches to liquefaction, site response, and seismic design. This shift would define the remainder of his career.
With his strong background in solid mechanics, Professor Finn made enduring contributions to earthquake geotechnical engineering, particularly in soil dynamics, liquefaction, seismic site response, soil-structure interaction analysis, and effective stress-based analysis. His work advanced practical, mechanics-based approaches for modeling the seismic behavior of soils and for linking theory, computation, and engineering judgment. His technical interests also encompassed the seismic safety
evaluation of dams, the seismic response of pile foundations, and broader considerations of seismic risk, reflecting a sustained engagement with both research and engineering practice. Many of these contributions remain embedded in modern seismic analysis and design. Throughout his career, Professor Finn was also a prolific scholar whose publications spanned a wide range of topics in earthquake engineering, and his work was recognized with numerous professional honors and awards.
Professor Finn spent much of his academic career at the University of British Columbia, where he served as Professor of Civil Engineering from 1961 to 1999 and played a central role in establishing geotechnical earthquake engineering in Canada, including the creation of the country’s first program in this area. He also held senior academic leadership roles at UBC, including Head of Civil Engineering and Dean of Applied Science. Through his teaching and mentorship, he influenced generations of students and young researchers, many of whom went on to become leaders in academia, consulting, and public service, and to make significant contributions to the development of modern earthquake engineering. Beyond the
university, he contributed to professional practice and public policy through several decades of service on the Canadian National Committee for Earthquake Engineering (CANCEE), followed by the Standing Committee on Earthquake Design (SCED), which together formed the basis of the seismic provisions of the National Building Code of Canada. He also played a major role in the development of Seismic Retrofit Guidelines for schools in British Columbia, a joint initiative of the provincial government and Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC).
Professor Finn contributed to the international geotechnical earthquake engineering community through professional service and collaboration, including service as Chair of TC-4 of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, the committee that later evolved into TC-203. His involvement supported international dialogue and cooperation during a formative period in the field’s development. He also maintained international academic connections, including a period as the first Anabuki Professor of Foundation Geodynamics at Kagawa University in Japan, and contributed through editorial leadership, including service as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering.
Professor Finn had a sharp, theoretical mind but was also instrumental in developing practical solutions to complex problems, consistently bringing analytical depth to engineering judgment and application. He worked extensively with the local consulting community as a specialist senior reviewer on high-profile projects. He was a mentor and role model to many engineers, known for his approachability, thoughtful engagement, and a professional style often marked by rich humour. Colleagues and former students remember Professor Finn as a measured, principled, and generous professional, deeply committed to education, practice, and the steady advancement of the field. Professor Finn’s legacy reflects a lifetime of sustained contribution and service. His influence endures through his work, his students, and the professional communities he helped shape over many decades.
On behalf of his colleagues and friends at the University of British Columbia and within the Vancouver geotechnical engineering community.