Bill Buhay, an associate professor of geography at the University of Winnipeg, is not only dedicated to academia but also a fervent lover of the great outdoors.

“I love camping. I love hiking. I love being in the outdoors,” he says.

His passion for nature has been a guiding force in his life, and it extends to his career, where he’s had extensive experience working for mining and oil companies. Buhay also takes his students on numerous field trips.

One of those trips led him to Iceland in 2015, where he accompanied 15 students on a transformative adventure.“That’s one of my favorite trips so far,” Buhay says. “Any time I have a chance to explore someplace new, I’ll do my best to get there.”

Buhay likes to stay active throughout the year. He plays hockey and cross-country skis in the winter. In the summer, he golfs and plays baseball.

“I love the summers and the change in seasons. I really do. I’m not particularly fond of the length that the winter is, though,” Buhay says. “The changing of seasons brings on different sports, and it adds diversity and variety into your life.”

Buhay’s decision to become an educator was influenced by his father, whose work he observed closely. “My father was a highschool teacher, and I watched him marking and preparing lectures,” he says.

His interest in geology was kindled by the natural surroundings of his hometown, Hamilton, Ont., and frequent visits to a mining community near Timmins in Northern Ontario, where he developed a fascination with rocks and the environment.

During his youth, Buhay travelled and worked around the globe before settling in Winnipeg.

“After my PhD, I was in various places around the world doing (my) post-doctorate. I was in England, Germany and Austria,” Buhay says. “I also spent some time in the United States.” These experiences have shaped his approach to education and his dedication to his students.

Beyond teaching, he dreams of a retirement filled with sports, adventure and exploration. “One of my fantasies is getting myself a trailer home to pull behind my truck and just explore North America,” Buhay says.

He says he hopes to watch baseball games in every Major League park and visit NHL arenas for hockey games.

—

What was your worst grade in university?

“I got an F in computer science because I was in my first year and didn’t really like the course, and I neglected to withdraw.”

What do you do in your spare time besides exploring the outdoors?

“I do a lot of renovations on my house in the summer. I build things and do a lot of woodworking … A few years back, I bought an old wine barrel from a winery, and I took it apart. I made all kinds of furniture and different things out of it.”

What advice would you give to students?

“To remain active and always pursue your passions. And I would say always have a hobby, something that you do outside of what your work is. The other thing I would say is, if you can, and I

think this is important, find a job or work at something that you enjoy.”

What would you tell your younger self?

“To be a little bit more conscious about saving for my retirement. If I was talking to young people today, I’d tell them to save. I’m more financially conscious, but I wish I was in my early 20s a little bit more cognizant about doing that.”

Published in Volume 78, Number 09 of The Uniter (November 9, 2023)