Gilbert BARTHOLOMEW

Dr. BARTHOLOMEW Gilbert
1922 - 2013
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Gilbert Bartholomew on January 29, 2013 in Vancouver after a long and trying illness. Born in Nelson B.C., Gilbert graduated with a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia, and then went on to McGill University to study nuclear science and obtain a doctorate. He began his scientific career working for the National Research Council in Ottawa, and then for 38 years worked for the Atomic Energy of Canada Laboratories in Chalk River, where he served for many years as the Director of the Physics Division. A widely respected physicist, he published over 150 scientific papers. He lectured at prestigious universities in many countries; he was a member of the American Physics Society and of the Royal Society of Canada, as well as of many other scientific bodies. While being a dedicated scientist, he also cherished values represented by the humanities. He was a great connoisseur of art, loved painting, music and dancing, and read widely, especially, in science, philosophy and religion. He loved people and nature. He took early retirement to devote himself to the preeminent goal of his life: the search for solutions to some of the besetting problems of our time. Although written and published some years ago, his writings continue to offer highly relevant insights into the human condition in the 21st century. As a nuclear physicist, he was profoundly aware of the historical significance of the development of the Atomic Bomb and its devastating potential; at the same time, he believed - in accordance with the ideas of Baha'i Faith with which he had a close affinity - that a program of wise education could and indeed must strive to bring mankind to embrace the ideals of peace, justice and universal harmony on a global scale. In private life, Gil was a human being of great sensitivity, kindness, tolerance, tact, and modesty. With his passing, Canada has lost a model scientist and citizen; I have lost the love of my life, my wonderful husband of the last twenty-two years; while the wide circle of his friends and acquaintances will miss his brilliant, gentle, noble, kind and full of humour presence. In the final months of Gil's illness, I was the grateful recipient of much kindness and support from friends as well as the staff of the Palliative Care Unit of Lions Gate Hospital, to all of whom I now extend my sincere thanks. In particular, I would like to express my heartfelt and lasting gratitude to Dr. Paul Sugar, who tended to Gil with exceptional solicitude and helped me to endure this most difficult time. A Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Gilbert on Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Anthony's Parish in West Vancouver, 2347 Inglewood Avenue, at 12 p.m. The funeral will take place at Capilano View Cemetery, 1490 Third Street in West Vancouver at 1:30 p.m. With inconsolable grief, wife Anna, sister Freda, nephew John and great nephew Spencer. To sign book of condolences, please click on www.mckenziefuneralservices.com