Martin Jeffrey STEINBACH

Martin Jeffrey Steinbach, Ph.D. Oct 23, 1941- June 24, 2017

Dr. Martin Steinbach, age 75, beloved husband of Rosanne (for almost 55 years), devoted father of Wendy (Mark) and Eric (sadly predeceased), and cherished grandfather of Molly and Hannah, passed away peacefully after suffering a massive hemorrhagic stroke.
After receiving his Ph.D. (1968) from M.I.T in experimental psychology, Marty joined the faculty at York University. He became a Distinguished Research Professor in 2000. He was a founding member of the Centre for Vision Research (CVR) at York.
In 1985, Marty also joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto. He was instrumental in creating the U of T Vision Science Research Program, a unique program worldwide. He was the Director of Research for the department. Marty was also director of the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute (2006-2013).
In 1988, Marty, along with Dr. Jean Real Brunette, formed the Vision Health Research Council of Canada whose mission is to unify Canadian vision research and to advocate for vision research funding. Marty was a staunch advocate of the collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists in the understanding of vision.
Marty worked tirelessly on behalf of vision science research in Canada and his efforts were rewarded with the prestigious Carl Kupfer Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in 2009. Many other honours were justly bestowed upon him and can be seen on his Wikipedia page.
Marty was a productive scientist, a generous mentor, and a steady friend. In his spare time he was also an accomplished woodworker. He will be remembered for his warmth and quick sense of humour. He will be dearly missed by his family and the many grateful students and colleagues whose lives, both academic and personal, were enriched by their contact with him.
There are no funeral services planned at this time. A celebration of Marty's life will be held in September.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Martin J. Steinbach and Eric Jon Steinbach Vision Science Research Fund for the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute at the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Please call 416-340-4430 or visit www.tgwhf.ca/tribute.