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Nouvelles
Obituary: Richard Tomlinson '40
Richard Howden Tomlinson ’40, O.C. Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, McMaster University died peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2018, in his 95th year at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, following a brief illness. Born in Montreal on August 2, 1923, he was the youngest son of George Herbert Tomlinson and Anne Irene Nourse Tomlinson. He was predeceased by his siblings Anne Elinor Nourse Chapman (Jack); Ruth Tomlinson Wilson; George Herbert Tomlinson II (Frances); and Charles Lester Tomlinson (Patricia). He was also predeceased by his wife, Rowena. Richard is survived by his nieces and nephews: Sally Anne Chapman Webster (Alan); Peter George Tomlinson; David Lester Tomlinson (Alison); Susan Margaret Tomlinson Goff (John); Wendy Margaret Tomlinson; Loretta Anne Tomlinson Kent (Punch) and many great-nieces and nephews and their children. Richard attended Selwyn House School, BCS and graduated from Bishop’s University, following which he attended McGill, where he completed his Ph.D. in 1948. He was the last graduate student of famed chemist and McGill professor Otto Maas, for whom he had worked in Ottawa at the National Research Council during the war years. In 1948, Richard and his wife Rowena departed for England, where he had secured a postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University. Following his return to Canada, he was recruited by the visionary nuclear scientist Harry Thode, and began his long career at McMaster University. Richard and Harry became lifelong colleagues, friends and business partners and shared similar values and philosophies. Aside from teaching, Richard's research focused on the application of radioisotopes as diagnostic tools as well as for medical treatments. In large part, his work in radioactive pharmaceuticals provided the necessary funding to maintain the University Reactor and so continue valuable training in all fields of science, engineering, industry and medicine. Richard received honorary degrees from Bishop's University (the third member of the Tomlinson family to be so honored), McGill University, McMaster and Brock University. For his generous contributions to all these institutions, and his commitment to excellence in higher education, he became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004. Richard appreciated good food and wines, sports, most especially golf and swimming in his pool. At 50, he took up running, eventually participating in several Boston Marathons. He challenged himself physically and intellectually, and in that regard, he expected no less from his students. He was devoted to Ashleigh, the last of a multitude of cats, which included Yttrium, the president of his company Gennum. Richard was a kind-hearted, humble and generous man in possession of a wry sense of humor. He believed in people, (some would say naively), and did many good things anonymously, simply because he could. Richard leaves behind his dear friend of over 60 years Renate Fritze, former colleague and friend Peter Simpson, Suzanne Wysmyk who has been a rock, neighbour, fellow runner, housekeeper and golfing partner; fellow runner and good friend Cesare Ruggiero; and good friend Bernard Garneau. All were inspired by his determination, curiosity, his infinite patience and his ability to explain complex scientific theories, latterly as they related to carbon dioxide and global warming. (Richard was never convinced of this causal effect based on his 75 years of accumulated scientific knowledge). Also left behind, his niece Anne who loved him dearly. Thanks to the nurses at the Sister Mary Grace Wing, 6th floor, and thanks go also to the nurses on the 6th floor of the Juravinski Tower and most particularly to Dr. Anne Wood and France Clarke for their compassionate care. At Richard's request, there will be no service and family and friends will gather privately in the summer. In Richard's memory, please perform a random act of kindness and/or adopt a cat.
