ERNEST F. TERWILLIGER

Terwilliger, Ernest F. 60, of Brookline, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 5, 2015 after a long and brave battle with cancer. Ernest was an academic researcher in the field of Retrovirology. After earning his PhD at UCLA, he worked in Boston at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He was an Assistant Professor at Harvard University. Ernest participated in early HIV research, including molecular mapping of the virus and exploration of viral protein functions/ weaknesses . Later, he developed denatured Retroviral vectors for use in gene therapy basic research, providing vectors to labs around the world. His work addressed many topics, including regrowth of brain tissue, bone, and changing behavior through gene therapy. Ernest has been published in many prominant journals, including Nature and Science, often as a contributing author. In his private time he enjoyed film, the arts and the performing arts. His especial interest was science fiction and fantasy. Ernest is survived by Judith Sojack who shared and enjoyed their life together for 28 years as his loving partner, his sister Mary Coleman and brother-in-law Don Coleman. Per his request, there will not be a formal funeral ceremony or reception. Donations in his honor can be sent to Best Friends Animal Society; 5001 Angel Canyon Rd; Kanab, UT 84741. Phone: 435-644-2001.