BIRGER BERGERSEN

(September 1938 - December 2025) Birger was born in 1938 in Oslo, Norway, to Benedicte Nicolaysen and Birger Martin Bergersen. He attended the University of Trondheim and completed a degree in engineering. After graduation he received a Wein Scholarship to study at Brandeis University, in Massachusetts. While studying there, he met his wife, Silvia, in a beginner Russian Class. In 1964 after completing his Ph.D., Birger moved back to Norway with Silvia and they were married in Trondheim, Norway. In the summer of 1969, the family moved to Canada and Birger was a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University. Then, in 1972, the family drove to Vancouver and Birger joined the Department of Physics at the University of British Columbia where he taught and did research until retirement in 2004. His research and papers focused on steady state non-equilibrium phenomena using computer simulations combined with analytical methods such as renormalization group and mean field theories as the main tools. Birger also focused his research on interdisciplinary studies and his last project involved a critique of some standard economics models that he felt were based on a faulty understanding of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Birger had a genuine penchant for independent and creative scientific thought, and he passed this on to his many students, encouraging them to follow their interests and scientific passion. Birger had discussions with his students on life, current events, history and personal experiences and enjoyed taking them on hiking adventures in the local mountains. He was concerned about climate change and consumerism. He treated each day as a new adventure and embraced inquiry, exploration and art. His kindness, curiosity and positive attitude and outlook on life have been valued by the many people he touched. Birger will be greatly missed by his daughter, Eva (James); Silvia; and granddaughter, Laura. He was predeceased by his sister, Kirsten (Neil Yocum). A special thank you to the staff at Vancouver General Hospital who provided excellent care, support and compassion.