Malcolm BERSOHN Obituary

BERSOHN, Malcolm - May 13, 1925 - November 10, 2014 Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, University of Toronto, died peacefully at his home in Rosedale, surrounded by loved ones. Born in New York City, Malcolm devoted his life to improving the world for humankind. He was a political activist, an altruist and a strong atheist. Malcolm was a generous, brilliant and loving man who cared deeply about his friends and family. He loved to play the piano and was passionate about classical music and opera. He is survived by his wife JoAnne, his daughter Diana, his sister Barbara and his nieces and nephews. His body has been donated to the Anatomy Lab at the University of Toronto.

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Published by Toronto Star on Nov. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm BERSOHN

11 Entries

Mike Peterson

November 18, 2014

I took several graduate courses from Professor Bersohn covering a wide range of topics from quantum mechanics and group theory, to organic synthesis, to assembly language computer programming. He was one of the best teaching professors in the department, always very approachable, and an inspiration to me. He will be missed.

Ann Whittington

November 15, 2014

Malcolm and JoAnne were two of our very early friends when we first arrived in Canada in 1967. They proved to be devoted friends who were always there when we needed them. We have wonderful memories from the days when Malcolm was so happy to babysit our children, holidays in San Francisco and Oxford, attending Don Giovani at Covent Garden, and countless shared dinners and evenings of chat with Malcolm tending the logs on the fire.
Malcolm became family in Canada when our own families were far away in Europe, and we will all remember him in this way. We will miss you greatly Malcolm.

Jeremy Schofield

November 15, 2014

Joanne and family, I first met Malcolm when he and John Valleau took me to dinner when I visited Toronto for a job interview 17 years ago. I really enjoyed his company and conversation then, and the many more discussions that followed over the years. I appreciated his wisdom and wealth of experience as well as the fascinating stories of his life that were shared over chance or planned encounters in the theory group offices and lounge. I will miss hearing his strong opinions. I valued his honesty and sense of integrity. It was fun to have an office next to his! He was a good man.

Best wishes to you.

Stu Whittington

November 15, 2014

I first met Malcolm in 1967 and he became one of my closest friends. He was kind, generous, courageous and high principled, with a quirky sense of humour. I shall miss our lunches together, our conversations about science and politics and his unfailing friendship. My thoughts are with JoAnne and Diana.

Rob Batey

November 14, 2014

Malcom was indeed a valued member of our department, and his loss will be felt by many. He was a great colleague, both supportive, enthusiastic and kind; a true gentleman. I believe that these qualities were an inspiration to both faculty/staff and students.

Both personally, as well as on behalf of the department, I extend condolences to his family.

Rob Batey (Dept. Chair of Chemistry)

Sandra Gamboias

November 12, 2014

Dear JoAnne and family, I was saddened to hear that Malcolm passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Bill Reynolds

November 12, 2014

I was saddened and a little shocked to hear the news. It wasn't long ago that I met him in the Department mail room and he still seemed full of enthusiasm, as usual. He was a good friend of long standing and will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.

Diana Bersohn

November 12, 2014

Thanks to all for your memories of my father and kind words

Andrei Yudin

November 11, 2014

Malcolm has been a great help at the early stages of my career at the University of Toronto. He was the one who introduced me to several key industrial chemists in Japan, which ultimately led to a very productive collaboration between my lab and Sumitomo Chemical. I will always miss Malcolm's valuable advice and his good humour. We shared many great moments and I have always enjoyed a scientific discussion with him.

Bryan Jones

November 11, 2014

I joined the Department of Chemistry a year after Malcolm, so he and I were very long term colleagues. He and I shared interests that kept us in contact until a couple of years ago, and we even published a paper together. One could not have had a better or more supportive colleague, He was a warm, caring, giving and highly principled man whose example and values will live on. I shall miss him and my thoughts and sympathy are with his family.

Mike Yealland

November 11, 2014

Although I didn't know Malcolm well, I was always moved by his quiet friendliness and enthusiasm for life. My condolences to the family

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Malcolm BERSOHN

Malcolm BERSOHN Obituary

Memories and Condolences for Malcolm BERSOHN

Memorial Events for Malcolm BERSOHN

Memories and Condolences
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Memorial Events
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