Jeremy Nichol McNEIL

Jeremy died as he lived, tenacious and determined to the last - qualities that served him well as he blazed a trail through life. He was born towards the end of WWII in Tonbridge, England, to Jean Evelyn Elsie (Nichol) and Alastair McMurdo McNeil of St. John's, Newfoundland. The family moved back to Newfoundland in 1945, and Jeremy spent a happy childhood in Corner Brook, before returning to England for his schooling. He attended Lancing College in West Sussex, where he was known more for his sporting prowess – representing the school at cricket, swimming and fencing – than his intelligence. Jeremy returned to Canada for his further education, graduating with an Honours degree in Zoology from The University of Western Ontario in 1969 and a PhD in Entomology from North Carolina State University in 1972, where he won the outstanding graduate award. He accepted a position in the Biology Department at Université Laval in Quebec City, teaching his courses in French – completely belying comments by his teachers at Lancing College who noted at the time that Jeremy's ability in science did not match his enthusiasm, and that he had no talent for languages. In 2004, after 30 years at Laval, Jeremy returned to Western as The Helen Battle Professor of Chemical Ecology, a position he held until his death. In 2014, Jeremy received the Distinguished University Professor Award for his contributions to Western. He was recognised internationally as an eminent research scientist, publishing hundreds of papers, holding many positions of distinction and receiving countless accolades and awards. These include, among many others, President of the Royal Society of Canada, the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany, and the Order of Canada for his services to education. He was a passionate and enthusiastic educator his whole life, an ambassador equally at ease with everyone from VIPs to children. He received several national awards for his outreach activities, often saying the publication that he was most proud of was What is an Insect, a children's book he co-wrote with Let's Talk Science which has been translated into five languages, and is used as a teaching aid in schools across Canada. Jeremy was known as The Bug Man and was rarely seen without one of his trademark insect-related tee shirts – he had over 500 of them, which are to be catalogued and sold to raise money for charity. He was a world traveller, and amassed an art (and mask) collection from the countries he visited, was a passionate photographer with a quirky eye, and a fabulous gardener. Many have benefitted from his generosity, and many more have enjoyed his wry wit, quick mind and ready humour. He was a great conversationalist and raconteur, and never lost an opportunity for sharing a bottle or several of good wine from his cellar. Jeremy will be missed dearly by his partner, Shelley Yeo; sons, Jamie (Hanh) and Chris (Karly); grandchildren, Morgan and Connor; sister, Deborah (Mike); and Shelley's daughter, Rebeca Morrison (Glenn Young), and grandchildren, Ema and Luc. Jeremy's passing will also be felt by his extended family, and by countless friends and colleagues from around the globe. Details for a celebration of Jeremy's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Let's Talk Science (www.letstalkscience.ca), St Joseph's Hospice of London (www.sjhospicelondon.com), or to a Charity of Your Choice. Memories and condolences may be left at: www.funeraloptions.ca