SLESSOR Keith Norman. Keith was born in Comox, BC in 1938 and died in Langley Hospice on July 18, 2012. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Marie, his son Mike (Erin) of Monrovia, CA, his son Graham (Tanya) of Surrey, and his daughter Karen Francis (Dani) of Vancouver. He also leaves four grandchildren: Kai and Kobe Francis of Vancouver and Nicole and Cameron Slessor of Monrovia.
Keith's 39-year career as a Professor of Chemistry at SFU was devoted to his twin passions of teaching and scientific research. He was recognized for excellence in both areas; awarded the SFU Excellence in Teaching Award (1995) for having conveyed the principles of organic chemistry to thousands of SFU undergraduates, and awarded The BC Science and Engineering Gold Medal in Natural Sciences (2003) for deciphering the biochemical communication mechanisms in honeybee colonies. Of the many awards he received, these were the two he was most proud of. Keith was also an ardent fly-fisherman, and he and Marie spent decades pursuing Kamloops trout in the interior lakes of BC. In his retirement, he channelled his energy into fine woodworking and created many pieces that now grace homes, kitchens, and dinner tables around the world.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation – Lymphoma Research would be greatly appreciated.
"A passionate and
productive life,
alas too short"