In Memoriam: Robin T.B. Rye, 1934 - 2009 

On Oct. 7, 2009, longtime chemistry professor Robin T.B. Rye passed away in the West Island Palliative Care Residence.

Rye was born in Vancouver, B.C., where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. After having completed his doctorate in London and a post-doctorate degree in British Columbia, he began teaching in Manitoba, but as he said, he couldn’t contend with the inclement weather. In 1964, he began teaching at Concordia, then Sir George Williams University.

There he was responsible for the operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the mass spectrometry facilities from the time the Chemistry Department moved into the Hall Building. His research interests remained concentrated in mass spectrometry, a field in which he taught graduate-level courses as well.

Rye loved teaching and research. Although he retired in June 1997, he continued working at Concordia for a number of years.

Laurie D. Colebrook, a friend and colleague of Rye’s, has written a lovely passage about him [pdf]. Condolences will be available online until Nov. 8.

Donations in his name were collected by the Canadian Cancer Society. The university community extends its sympathies to his widow Carmen, his daughters Karen and Leslie, and his extended family.

 

Concordia University