Alex Rosenthal

Dr. Alex Rosenthal, age 98, died in Vancouver, B.C. on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. He is survived by his four loving children, Dr. Arthur Rosenthal, Paula Cofman, Jenna Hunt and Val Rosenthal, two grandchildren, Lanny and Mark Cofman and two great-children, Alaina and Aiden Cofman. Also, two of his four siblings survive, Sam Rosenthal, of Calgary, Alberta, and Harry Martin, of Toronto, Ontario. Alex is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Bess, and his siblings, Dan and Dorothy.

Dr. Alex Rosenthal (Elion) was born in Scollard, Alberta, to Russian Jewish immigrants William and Minnie (nee Levy) Rosenthal and was raised on a farm along with his five siblings. At an early age, Alex showed ambition and great intellectual abilities, which led to degrees from the University of Alberta, B.Sc., B.Ed, and Masters of Science, and from Ohio State University, a PhD in Chemistry.

He began his career as a high school teacher and then went on to become a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of B.C. where he taught and mentored students for 25 years. While at U.B.C., Alex received numerous awards including the DuPont Fellowship Award and the prestigious Killam Senior Research Fellowship for his research into finding a cure for cancer.

Alex was a devoted husband and active father. His love of the outdoors and adventure, staying physically active, building furniture and keeping a positive outlook on life contributed to his longevity. He was also a great believer in good nutrition, and frequently encouraged his children to eat, like he did every morning, a bowl of porridge to "stay strong and keep hair on their chests."

Alex enlisted in the Volunteer Reserve Army Forces during World War II and was grateful for the support provided by Veterans Affairs Canada towards his living costs at the

Louis Brier Home and Hospital.

Alex was laid to rest at Schara Tzedeck Cemetery next to his beloved wife. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.