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Basil Vladimir Worgul

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Columbia University

Basil Worgul Obituary

WORGUL-Basil Vladimir. Passed away January 19, 2006. A Professor for Radiation Biology in Radiology and Ophthalmology at Columbia University which he joined in 1974, he received his B.S. at University Miami (Biology) and his Ph.D. at University Vermont (Cell Biology). He defined the mechanism of radiation cataract development; discovered the ``Terminal body''-a cellular organelle; described the preferred dynamic reorientation of the mitotic spindle; the cataractotoxic load theory, and the current classification of congenital cataracts. His work on low dose radiation effects led to the adjustment of radiation protection levels. A brilliant thinker and inspiring researcher with the gift to bring about the excitement of science, conveying independent thought and creativity, he was a fascinating lecturer, engaging, entertaining and convincing. Born June 30, 1947, in New York, his favorite city on earth, he was a budding scientist early on, but also a poet, an artist, an astronomer, his interests seemed unlimited. Basil loved language and was an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction and his beloved New York Times. If his sense for fair conduct was violated, he spoke up regardless of personal consequences. Basil was our ever loving and caring son, husband, companion father, grandfather, and brother. He was our best friend and the first to turn to-he always took the time to listen and help. We know him for his thoughtfulness and concern, and his never resting intend to make us smile, to comfort us when we were hurt, to advise if we were lost, and to embrace and protect us with his love. He left too soon and will always live on in our memory. Stephanie, Kathy, Anna, Ronald, Michael, Suzanne, Dan, Holly, Ryan, Vito, John

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Basil Worgul

Sponsored by Kathleen R Worgul.

24 Entries

Catching a "rush break" at ISER, Paris

Anna Junk

September 25, 2010

Janice David

January 30, 2007

I came to Dr Worguls' lab as a partime junior research technician with minimal training but convinced him that I was eager and willing to learn. Well, that was enough for him to give me a chance because he had a passion for teaching. My skills had greatly improved because of his patience. He headed the Basic Science course at the Edward S.Harkness Eye Institute. He was innovative and his energy was spontanous which caused him to be a favorite among the medical students. Dr worgul was also an outstanding lecturer who excite thought and kept you wanting for more. His knowledge of the complex scienctific and laymans world was well beyond the surface. Dr Worguls' was mentored by the late well known Dr. George Merriam M.D. who specialized in cataracts. Together they published many outsanding papers. Dr. Worgul and Dr. Cecily Medvedovsky M.D. was involved in harmful effects of radiation at the Chernobyl site for which he was Directer. Although this scholarly biologist possessed vast intellect, he was easily approachable but most of all, he emitted generosity. While many of his contributions remains, his lack of presence is greatly felt. Janice C. David, Senior Research Technician

Bill Spellman

June 5, 2006

Where can I start? There were quite a few "firsts" in my life because of "Buddy" Worgul. I met the person you know as Basil while a freshman at Brooklyn Prep High School in NY. We rode the "8th Avenue" to BP and became best friends.

Now for the "firsts!" We spent many a night at the NY World's Fair in '64 (my first run-in with alcohol and girls.) In fact Buddy performed for beers at the House of Japan one night while I sat and watched, wishing I had the guts to be standing up there with him. Because of Basil, I got involved in scuba, guitar playing, and working at Wilkens (an ice cream parlor in Woodhaven.)

I visited him at the U of Miami where I got my first unbelievably bad sunburn, and drove my first Honda 50. We also ended up scuba diving in a pool, since the first hurricane of the season tore through Florida and ruined our dive trip to Key Largo.

While visiting Buddy and Kathy in Burlington, VT one New Year's Eve, I helped him peel the lenses off frogs' eyes for his research project at the U of Vermont . . . another first for me!

Bay was an usher at my wedding in '68. He, Kathy, JoAnne (my wife) and I spent many evenings working on the problems of the world, or just kicking back having a good time. We both named our daughters "Suzanne" after Leonard Cohen's song of the same name.

I became a "capitalist" while Basil became a humanitarian and a brilliant scientist. I haven't seen him in a years but have kept in touch via phone and email. I'll miss him!

Yuriy Kundiyev

February 28, 2006

Kiev, Ukraine March 27, 2006

It is a great sadness that Professor Basil Worgul passed away on January 19. 2006.

He was a friend and a colleague of a lot of Ukrainian scientists.

His contribution to radiation cataract research is hard to overrate. We were lucky to meet Professor Worgul in 1991 and had a very close collaboration in scientific projects with him for more than 15 years.

His scientific impact in our joint investigations is well known in Ukraine and he was elected as a foreign member of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

I am proud to have him as my close friend and co-Director of the Ukrainian-American Chernobyl Ocular Study (UACOS) since 1992.

All members of our team will miss him terribly.

wei zhou

February 15, 2006

I am greatly shocked and deeply sorrowed by the passing of Professor Worgul. He was a respected friend and mentor. He made a great contribution in the lens research. I learned a lot from him in the Harkness eye Institute of CU.

Zhou Wei , PR CHINA

Karsten Klos

February 10, 2006

I met Basil Worgul in Scheimpflug photography meeting for cataract research and knew him as a very open-minded scientist, an outstanding and very friendly teacher, always willing to help. I am very sad he passed away. We will miss him. My sympathy to Worgul family.

Norman Rosskothen

February 6, 2006

I was intensely saddened to hear Basil had passed away. He and my Father commuted to work together and as a child every weekday morning he was sitting in our kitchen. Years later, I was able to repay his kindness with some consulting work. Basil will be missed. My sympathies Worgul family

Shang Xu and family

February 4, 2006

Professor Worgul was my first boss and mentor in USA. It was a great honor to work in his outstanding laboratory. His inviting nature inspired everyone around him to work diligently and aspire to greatness. He made an impression on our whole family. He will be missed and remembered not only as a great scientist but also a kind person. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.

linda west

February 2, 2006

We only met Basil a couple of times but he was such a nice person. We know his daughter Suzanne and her being the terrific person she is lets me know him better. He leaves a wonderful legacy of not only a wonderful family but such esteemed work in his field. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones. Linda and Bill West Tallmadge, Ohio

Esther Schumann

February 1, 2006

Introduced to me by my dear friend Anna ( Basil’s life partner for the past eight years ), I knew Basil mostly in private life. A scientist through and through methodically even in his own household he would joke about himself making us laugh.

Basil was humble and had great respect for his fellow human beings. He had a keen interest in other cultures and languages. Basil loved word plays and had an exquisite sense of humor. He also liked cooking gourmet food. An evening with Basil was always fun, philosophical and I could be sure to learn something new. He enriched the lives of the people surrounding him.

It is hard to accept that he is no longer with us. I am mourning with his family.

Cecily Medvedovsky

January 30, 2006

Professor Worgul was an outstanding scientist with a deep and extensive knowledge in different areas of science. His contribution to radiation cataract research is hard to overrate. No doubt that results of his research will be appreciated for many years to come. It is difficult to forget his lectures and speeches. He was preparing for each lecture over and over again and never repeated the same lecture twice. It was a great pleasure to listen to him. He had a great personality, big warm heart and a terrific sense of humor. He will be missed and remembered as a great researcher and a kind person.

I was lucky to meet professor Basil Worgul in 1980 and had an honor to work with him for more then 22 years. Because of him those years were the happiest and most productive years of my long professional life. I had the greatest respect for him and came to admire and love him very much .I was proud to have him both as my boss and as my close friend . I will miss him terribly.

With deepest expression of our sympathy to Kathy,Anna,Ronald and Suzanne

Cecily Medvedovsky and family.

George Duncan

January 30, 2006

I was deeply saddened to hear that our good friend and colleague Basil had sadly passed away. He made a great contribution to lens research and an immense contribution to brightening up many conferences for me through his wit and enthusiasm.

Jerome Ramos-Esteban, MD

January 29, 2006

In memorian Prof Basil Vorgul:

I met Basil late in his life but early enough in mine to realize that youth is in the spirit. He will be missed by his friends and his family.

Anna Junk

January 29, 2006

Basil meant so much to so many young people: generations of medical students, residents and fellows were inspired by him and his contagious way to conduct research. Even though the time in his lab may just seem like a stepping stone to a successful career to an outsider, for many of us it will always be remembered as an unforgettable, happy and exciting time, maybe the best of our lives. We lost one of the greatest mentors of the academic world that Columbia University had to offer.

Anna

R.Linsy Farris

January 28, 2006

We will miss Basil as a friend, colleague and a treasured and vital member of our research staff at the Edward S Harkness Eye Institute. He was generous in his teaching and sharing of ideas with both basic scientists and clinicians. We give thanks for his gifts and know he rests in peace.

R. Linsy Farris,MD

Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology

Harkness Eye Institute

Dad with his grandkids Holly and Ryan - 2004

Suzanne Pappano (formerly Worgul)

January 28, 2006

My dad, my children's "pop-pop", will be missed terribly. I am grateful he was able to enjoy a few years with his grandkids.
We love you daddy and will miss you so much.

Scott Freedman

January 27, 2006

My sympathies to Kathy and Jim and the Worgul family.

Scott Freedman

Basil at Microscope

January 27, 2006

Mrs Kathleen R Worgul

January 27, 2006

I am very grateful to the Eye Institute for this wonderful global venue to honor Basil. We, his family, and loved ones thank all who gave us this gift of remembrance. I have made it possible to continue this site for a year so that all who would like to share memories and pictures can do so. Ron, Suzanne, Anna and I would be most grateful to hear your stories of Basil, or see pictures you may have of him. Thank you all.

Dan & Pat Pappano

January 27, 2006

In the short time we knew Basil he had a great personality, a fun person, and a warm heart. He will be missed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family.

Ivor Alexander

January 27, 2006

I met Dr. Worgul in New York back about 1998 and took an immediate liking to him. I'm sorry to learn that he is gone. All my sympathy to Katherine, Suzanne, and Ron.

Rajiv Bhushan

January 24, 2006

I really came to admire and respect Dr. Worgul in the short time that I knew him. My heart felt condolences to his family and loved ones

Giovanni De Angelis

January 23, 2006

My condoleances to the family of Prof. B. Worgul for their bereavement. I met him at various conferences, we have long talks, about radiation, about cataracts, but also about history and Eastern Europe. I'll deeply miss him, as anybody else had the pleasure of having met him and known him.

Yours sincerely,

Much appreciated

January 22, 2006

Worgul Family,

You have my deepest sympathy.His work in helping the blind was great. God will remember his good he did. He promise "All in the memorial tombs will hear his voice, and come out, those who did good to a resurrection of life."

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