Werner Israel

ISRAEL, Werner OC FRSC FRS Physicist, professor, author and family man. Werner Israel died peacefully, surrounded by his family on the evening of May 18th, 2022. The world has lost a scholar and a gentleman. Born on October 4, 1931 in Berlin he and his family fled Nazi Germany in 1936, settling in Cape Town, South Africa. Werner received a B.Sc and M.Sc. from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD from Trinity College, Dublin, under the supervision of John Synge. It was in Dublin where Werner met and married Inge Margulies, the love of his life. Werner was a professor in the department of Physics at the University of Alberta until his retirement in 1996, when he and Inge moved to Victoria, BC, where he was appointed Adjunct Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria. His contributions to the field of gravitational physics are profound, especially his unique insights about the nature of black holes; these are equally balanced by his roles as a teacher and a mentor. He inspired many students and colleagues with his approach to science, his kindness and his sense of humour. Werner was a colleague and friend of Stephen Hawking and together they authored two volumes on gravitational physics. Werner had a gift for making everyone feel at ease. In addition to being a distinguished scientist he was an ardent and extremely well-informed lover of the arts. While Werner was best known for his academic achievements, he was first and foremost a husband, a father and grandfather and will be sadly missed. Werner was predeceased by his son Mark and his wife Inge. He is survived by his daughter Pia Archibald (Ralph), granddaughter Allison Archibald (Kevin) and his extended family of Kim and Joanie Hesketh their son Evan (Farrah), and Jon O'Riordan and his son Kevin (Paola).