Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Cynthia Friedman Obituary
August 19, 1971 – December 24, 2018
Tragically and unexpectedly, Cindy died due to an aortic dissection on Christmas Eve morning while visiting her family in Penticton. She was 47 years old.
Mourning her are her husband Tom, her stepsons Nathan and Benjamin, her mother Rose Anne Ross, her sister Kelly Ross, her brother-in-law Alex Lafreniere and her extended family in BC, Manitoba and Ontario. Cindy was predeceased by her father Paul.
Cindy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and educated at the University of Manitoba which awarded her a PhD in Biological Sciences in 2002. She taught at U. of M. and then moved to Kamloops in 2004. She and Tom married in 2007. Her distinguished academic career included awards for teaching, research and service and many publications on Arceuthobium-dwarf mistletoe-including in the prestigious Nature Communications. She twice appeared on CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald to discuss her research. Cindy was inducted into the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in 2014, and was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (U.K.) in 2016 in recognition of her commitment to social and environmental justice. She appreciated the respect of her peers in the scientific community but was most proud of her role in mentoring and inspiring students.
Most recently, Cindy taught at the University of Alberta and Concordia University of Edmonton.
Cindy was an early opponent of the proposed Ajax mine and was instrumental in organizing community forums and rallying opposition to the mine through her work with the Kamloops Area Preservation Association. She was an active member of the Kamloops & District Labour Council and the TRU Faculty Association and advocated tenaciously for workers' rights. Cindy strongly believed that scientists have a duty to effect change through public engagement, an undertaking she embraced fearlessly throughout her life.
Outside of her academic and community involvement, Cindy was an accomplished keyboardist and vocalist, performing both solo and with the Latin band Caliente. Her interest in genetics early in her career led to a love of sphynx cats and she was a strong supporter of the Kamloops SPCA.
Our world is significantly diminished by her death.
A Celebration of Cindy's Life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops.
Tragically and unexpectedly, Cindy died due to an aortic dissection on Christmas Eve morning while visiting her family in Penticton. She was 47 years old.
Mourning her are her husband Tom, her stepsons Nathan and Benjamin, her mother Rose Anne Ross, her sister Kelly Ross, her brother-in-law Alex Lafreniere and her extended family in BC, Manitoba and Ontario. Cindy was predeceased by her father Paul.
Cindy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and educated at the University of Manitoba which awarded her a PhD in Biological Sciences in 2002. She taught at U. of M. and then moved to Kamloops in 2004. She and Tom married in 2007. Her distinguished academic career included awards for teaching, research and service and many publications on Arceuthobium-dwarf mistletoe-including in the prestigious Nature Communications. She twice appeared on CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks with Bob McDonald to discuss her research. Cindy was inducted into the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in 2014, and was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (U.K.) in 2016 in recognition of her commitment to social and environmental justice. She appreciated the respect of her peers in the scientific community but was most proud of her role in mentoring and inspiring students.
Most recently, Cindy taught at the University of Alberta and Concordia University of Edmonton.
Cindy was an early opponent of the proposed Ajax mine and was instrumental in organizing community forums and rallying opposition to the mine through her work with the Kamloops Area Preservation Association. She was an active member of the Kamloops & District Labour Council and the TRU Faculty Association and advocated tenaciously for workers' rights. Cindy strongly believed that scientists have a duty to effect change through public engagement, an undertaking she embraced fearlessly throughout her life.
Outside of her academic and community involvement, Cindy was an accomplished keyboardist and vocalist, performing both solo and with the Latin band Caliente. Her interest in genetics early in her career led to a love of sphynx cats and she was a strong supporter of the Kamloops SPCA.
Our world is significantly diminished by her death.
A Celebration of Cindy's Life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Kamloops This Week on Jan. 3, 2019.
Memories and Condolences
for Cynthia Friedman
5 Entries
January 10, 2019
I am sorry for the loss of your love one. During the days ahead may prayer comfort and strengthen you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
BC~
California
Pat and Stan
January 9, 2019
Tom, We're so sad for you and the boys. Our thoughts are with you.
Denis Powers
January 7, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to Tom and family on the devastating loss of Cindy in their lives.
January 6, 2019
My sincere condolences, Tom and family. Truly saddened by Cindy untimely death.
How you can show support
Donna Faulkes
January 3, 2019
Celebrating a wonderful life. We will cherish the memories forever. Condolences to Tom, boys and family
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results