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JOHN JONAS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN JONAS
23 Entries
Stephen Eden
February 16, 2025
John was my distant cousin.
My family and his family were in close contact over many generations.
John and his father Uncle Nicolas (to me) had a profound influence on my life.
I feel this link between families is now probably broken since I only know one of John´s children.
My sympathy for the family and Leslie and Anita.
Nikos and Antigoni Christodoulou
February 14, 2025
It is with sadness that I learned of Professor Jonas' passing. JJ was my professor during my time at McGill, where I spent 7 years of my life. It was then that I married my wife, and, just before I graduated, we became parents. I learned from him how to do research and how to write properly. It was my experience with him that eventually gave me the chance to work at AECL's Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. There are plenty of memories I have from my time with him, but it is one that remains prominently in my wife's and my mind. John and Holly invited us numerous times at their cottage, but the last time we were there, we had to bring our 1-year-old son with us. In the morning, Holly and John suggested that we take the canoe and go for a morning paddle in the lake. My wife was a bit cautious leaving the baby behind, but dear Holly insisted that she would take care of him if he woke up before we were back. When we were back, we saw Holly holding Chris while preparing breakfast. Chris was at ease with Holly, despite the fact that at that age he was not too social with unfamiliar faces. It is one of our best memories of John and Holly. Please accept our deepest condolences for his passing. He and Holly may rest in peace.
Mehrdad Zarinejad
February 13, 2025
Rest in Peace Prof., the field of thermomechanical processing of steels owes deeply to you and your group, for which and for your mentorship you will be always remembered. Thanks for the memories at McGill and your kind hospitality at the cottage.
Edina Eberhardt-Toth
February 12, 2025
John invited my father with family for work with him in Montreal in 1986 from Budapest, when I was eight years old. We stayed for three years. They were those years filled with the happiness that procures discovering what it is to live in a country with freedom. They were also those of the beginning of my oldest friendship: with Jodie Jonas, the two of us having the same age. I also remember those years when I speak English, having learned it then, and making me each time feel happy when I speak it, as they were happy childhood years. The moments passed at the cottage are forever in my heart. My father continues in France John´s welcoming tradition, with colleagues and family, also at a lakeside house that we warmly call "the cottage". I send my condolences to Jodie, Jonathan, Jeremy and Jennifer. Looking forward to commemorating this evening with the many people in the world whose path John significantly impacted, with love, Edina
Laszlo S. Toth, Françoise
February 11, 2025
Small words for a great man.
I am happy to know John as a friend, as a colleague, even as a letter of reference in my professional carrier. We could share time, science together, even the Hungarian language, our mother tangue. John did not leave us. From the moment I met him, he is always in my heart, and stays there, like a family member.
Laszlo S. Toth
Brigitte Bacroix
February 11, 2025
It is with deep sadness that I learn of the passing of John Jonas, who was a mentor to me. However, despite the grief, I still have wonderful memories, both personal and professional, that warm my heart. In particular, I have fond memories of our weekends in his cottage, where we got together to write scientific articles and water-ski. These moments were much more than work sessions; they were also marked by friendship and the sharing of family life.
I am infinitely indebted to him for so many things. It was partly thanks to him that I met Pierre, my life partner of 40 years. I also owe him part of my professional success. I learned so much from his approach to research. John's unique approach, combining rigor and passion, has had a profound effect on me. His advice, his constant support and his inspiring example have been with me every step of the way.
I have fond memories of a man who was always curious, always jovial, always interested in science and in people. His insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm made him an exceptional person, who left no one indifferent.
To his family, I offer my most sincere condolences. I'm sure they will find comfort in the fact that, despite the void he leaves, John's legacy lives on. He now rests in peace, but his spirit and influence live on in our hearts and memories.
Armando Salinas Rodríguez
February 11, 2025
In loving memory of a great person and the best professor and teacher. We will miss you always.
Balint Laszlo Toth
February 11, 2025
I have great memories of a great man, from when I was a child, having spent nice time with him and his family in his cottage and also in Hungary when he came visiting us with his family. He knew many Hungarian songs by heart at that time, much more than I did which astonished me and he will always be close to our heart. My condolences to his family. Balint Laszlo Toth
Pierre Gilormini
February 11, 2025
It is with great sadness that I learned of John's passing. I would like to express my deepest condolences at this difficult time. John had a strong impact on my professional career. His unwavering support, enthusiastic curiosity, and warmth, particularly during the year 1986 that I spent in his laboratory at his invitation, nurtured our exchanges and fostered a beautiful friendship. His passion for his work was a source of inspiration for all those who had the privilege of working with him. The moments spent in his company, both personal and professional, will remain cherished memories for me.
Chiradeep Ghosh
February 11, 2025
First time I met John in a conference in India sometime in February 2008. One year after he again came back to our research lab to offer a short course on hot deformation. That time, as a young professional, I was looking for a suitable topic for my Ph.D. dissertation. A weeklong lecture by John had moved me so much that I expressed my desire to work with him at McGill. Then I moved to Montreal in the summer of 2010 with my family. A new country, a completely new atmosphere and a very different culture. However, John and Holly made our stay extremely comfortable at Montreal. Our friendship grew thereafter. I was fortunate enough to observe John closely during my stay at McGill. I must say that this was a fascinating experience for me and arguably the best part of my professional career. Whatever that I could learn from him will be a treasure for the rest of my life. He was an excellent teacher, a passionate scientist and above all a great human being.
John used to say, `if there is a conflict between theory and experiment, the experiment is wrong´. But I think what he wanted to say was `if the facts don't fit the theory, propose a new explanation´.
I will miss him dearly for the rest of my life.
Youliang He
February 11, 2025
Deeply saddened to know the passing of John. John's supervision, guidance, and support during my PhD studies at McGill are invaluable to my life. John is also a model of my scientific career. Miss you forever!
Deepest condolences to John's family!
Andrew Walker
February 11, 2025
Dr. Jonas was a impactful figure in the department, and in metallurgy more broadly!
Condolences to Dr.Jonas' family!
PS, Gordon and Anne Smith share theirs as well.
Stephen Yue
February 10, 2025
John was a great colleague and scientist with a larger than life personality. He was also an outstanding mentor and will be missed.
Jacques Le Normand, Met. 72
February 9, 2025
I have fond memories of Dr. Jonas. He was a very kind and patient professor, always ready to help.
Michael Kelen
February 9, 2025
Condolences to Anita and Leslie. Uncle Nicholas played a special role as I was growing up.
And I was honoured when John visited us in Ottawa at the time he received his first order of Canada.
Michael Kelen
Dr. Gabor Lantos P.Eng (Met '72) MBA MD
February 9, 2025
An accomplished scientist, great teacher and mentor. I remember him fondly, both from Class and from the Beer & Oyster parties.
He will be missed by family, friends, colleagues,
and students.
Jodie Jonas
February 8, 2025
Linda Zabitsky
February 8, 2025
Dear Jonathan Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear dad. May his memory be filled with peace and many blessings. Fondly Linda Stevie Kelly David Zabitsky
AMETH FALL
February 8, 2025
My condolences to all the family
Professor Jonas was more than an educator but a father or grandfather to all the students!
Rupan Brar
February 8, 2025
Professor John J. Jonas was a remarkable mentor, a brilliant scientist, and a beautiful soul who left an indelible mark on my life. His wisdom and encouragement shaped my journey, especially his guidance on balancing family and professional excellence. I admired him deeply, not only for his groundbreaking contributions to science but also for his kindness and unwavering support. His legacy will continue to inspire me and countless others. He will be greatly missed.
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