Kenneth Eric MONEY

KENNETH ERIC MONEY It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Eric Money on March 6, at the age of 88, at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto. Ken is survived by his loyal wife of almost 65 years, Sheila Money (née Donnelly). He was the joyful and adored father of Laura (Marcus Macrae); and grandfather to Campbell, Milo and Kiara Macrae. He was predeceased by his brother, Bill Money; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Elliot (Don). He is survived by sister-in-law, Pat Walker (Tony); brother-in-law, John Donnelly (Sarah Archer); and sister-in-law, Darlene Money. Ken was one of the original six Canadian astronauts selected from the Canadian Space Agency (1984-1992). He launched Canada's initial medical experiments performed in space when the first Canadian astronaut flew on Shuttle mission STS-41G. He served as an alternate payload specialist for Canada's flight on NASA mission STS-42. Ken was an energetic, brilliant scientist of many accomplishments who never lost the wonder and joy of seeing the world through a child's eyes. Ken's athletic skills, unique thinking and curious mind were evident at an early age. At Whitney School, in Toronto, he participated in many championship teams. Moving to Noranda, Quebec in high school, he excelled at academics, basketball and track and field. At the University of Toronto (U of T), he competed for the Varsity Blues in two sports - Swimming and Track and Field (High Jump) and completed his PhD (Physiology) in record time. He qualified for the 1956 Olympics and placed 5th in the High Jump, jumping 6' 7 3/4', a Canadian record. During University, he also found time for RCAF pilot training, got his wings, joined the Mach Busters club (flying faster than the speed of sound) in an F86 Sabre in 1958 and became a member of 400 Squadron where he was proud of being involved twice in successful searches for lost aircraft. He delighted in learning to fly helicopters in his final year with the squadron. He was later inducted into the Canadian Forces Athletic Hall of Fame. After University, he joined the Department of National Defence working for Defence Research Labs (later renamed Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental and Medicine, DCIEM, and now known as Defence Research and Development Canada). He loved scientific research and was excited to learn about anything and everything. Ken authored more than one hundred scientific papers, worked closely with the US Navy, NASA and many international colleagues; he was particularly proud to have been published in Nature, the world's leading science journal. He continued his association with U of T, where he was an associate professor of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, and was inducted into U of T's Athletics Hall of Fame. Ken was a world-renowned expert on the effects of aviation and space flight on human physiology, particularly the vestibular system. He invented semicircular canal plugging, a surgical operation to treat specific types of dizziness. Ken's impressive physiological research didn't stop him from publishing broad-ranging articles on other topics, including group conflict and anthropology, under a pseudonym. Being an astronaut was the adventure of a lifetime. He had lots of fun with his astronaut colleagues, training in zero-G in the vomit comet, doing 'neat' science and hitching rides in American fighter jets. In 1992, he returned to DCIEM where he retired in 1994 as Senior Scientist. During his career, he attended National Defence College and received innumerable awards, including the Meritorious Service Cross from the Governor General and the Wilbur R. Franks Award from the Canadian Society of Aviation Medicine. He was also elected a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Society and, in 2000, received the Society's Kent Gillingham Award for his contributions to the knowledge of disorientation and situational awareness in flight. After retirement, Ken served on the board of the National Space Society (US). He advocated for a flight to Mars so humans can learn to live beyond the planet Earth, which is important for the survival of the human species. He also served on the Board of the Canadian International Air Show for almost two decades, always excited to see the aircraft above Toronto skies. A long-time member of the Boulevard Club, he was a keen member of the Bridge Club. Ken won numerous international and national Masters Badminton championships, playing with both hands and wearing down his opponents through relentless determination and thoughtful strategy. Although enthusiastic about all his pursuits, Ken found the most joy playing with his grandchildren. He loved to laughingly recount stories about them. Among his favourites: a mother at a playgroup complained to Ken about losing her jelly donut, until Campbell's sugar-coated face gave it away; the time he greeted two-year old Milo with 'You haven't got much hair', prompting Milo to respond 'Grandpa, You haven't got any hair'; Kiara, at three, said 'Grandpa, you make my Kraft Dinner, I have more important things to do.' We all remember a kind, gentle, modest, Renaissance man who chose to seize the day and enjoy everything life offered. A Celebration of Ken's life will take place at the Boulevard Club, 1491 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto on Friday, March 10 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors without Borders.