The City College flag flew at half-staff last week in memory of Dr. Peter Angeles, former chair of the philosophy department and author, who lost his battle to cancer.

Angeles passed away the morning of March 2 at Cottage Hospital. He was chair of the department from 1970 to 1990 when he retired briefly and then returned to City College as a professor Emeritus until 2000.

“Peter Angeles was one of the most remarkable human beings I have ever known and a dear colleague whose search for truth was never ending,” said Peter Haslund, professor of political science, who said he knew Angeles for about 35 years.

Joe White, chair of the philosophy department and good friend of Angeles, named a series of lectures after Angeles called the Peter Angeles colloquium.

Angeles started this lecture series, inviting different staff members to speak about their research of interest in the administration building. White took it upon himself to carry on this tradition after Angeles retired, and they are now held in the Garvin Theatre. More information about these lectures can be found at www.cpesbcc.net.

White said his life resembled that of Job in the Bible, who underwent seemingly senseless hardships. Angeles was married twice and both of his wives died.

“Even during all of his trials he would never focus on himself,” said White. “He would be concerned about the other person.”

White has been asked to say a few words about Angeles at his memorial service set to take place at 11 a.m., Apr. 3 at the Unitarian Society.

“It would have been nice if we could have had another decade with him,” said White.