William Sydney Martin Wold

Wold, William Sydney Martin

Wold, William "Bill" Sydney Martin, PhD, 77, passed away on June 14, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 53 yrs, Susan (Lees) Wold; 4 children: Lora "Muffin" Wold & husband/"3rd son" Robb Hellwig, Guy Wold, Jessica Wold & Andreas Bieri, Jonathan Wold; 4 grandchildren: Madeline & Sydney Hellwig, Niko & Syrsha Wold; & extended family & friends stateside & in Canada. He was preceded in death by parents Roy & Nellie Wold, & brother Larry.

Born & raised in Manitoba, he graduated from the University of Manitoba before beginning his work at Saint Louis University in 1974 at the Institute of Molecular Virology; he worked his way through the Department of Microbiology from professor up the ranks to Chairman of what became under his leadership the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. A devoted scientific mind drove his life's passion: improving the world via research into treatments & potential cures for cancer. His co-workers were his 2nd family, & he cared deeply about his role as mentor. A beautifully complex & multi-faceted person, he was equally at home explaining complicated scientific theorems, expounding on history & WWII, or reciting Shakespeare & The Rubaiyat from memory. A man of many passions, he was a prolific reader, an avid fisherman, an accomplished runner - completing the Boston, New York, & Chicago marathons in his late 60s, an astute chess player, fierce billiard player, & lover of sport. Adored by his grandkids, he would help with science projects, chase them around the house roaring, hold their hands as they ran a 5k. He shared a love of Fleetwood Mac with his family, science with Muffin, hockey with Guy, film with Jessica, camping with Jonathan, golf with Robb, curling with Larry, music, dance, & travel with Susan. He will be remembered fondly for his "boredom in a box" Civil War box set, his green speedos, his buffalo coat, but most of all, his great generosity, immense intellect, & enduring kindness. Services: Memorial services are being planned for August, his anticipated retirement date from SLU.