- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
DONALD PHILIP KERR
Date of Passing: Oct 19, 2014
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
DONALD PHILIP KERR Don - physicist, family man, and close friend to many, died at St. Boniface General Hospital on Sunday, October 19, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old. For the past four years he faced cancer with grace, good humour, and quiet stoicism. Don lived his life simply and quietly. While he achieved distinction as an excellent teacher, researcher, and university administrator, his life was centered on his love for family and friends, and defined by a gentleness of spirit, a natural humility, and a core of utmost integrity. Don was born in Winnipeg in 1938 to Victor and May Kerr. He began university studies at United College in 1956. That same year, he enlisted for service in the Regular Officer Training Program of the Royal Canadian Navy. His summers in this program were spent in service aboard warships, an experience that instilled in him a great love for all things related to the sea. Don was awarded his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Manitoba in 1965. He received a National Research Council scholarship, and moved with his young family to take a research position as an Overseas Fellow in Germany. Don and Judy made close friends in Germany with whom they shared many visits and a lifetime of correspondence and connection. This was the beginning of a pattern that unfolded over the years of Don and Judy's life together; wherever they went, they forged friendships that would endure the test of time. From Germany, Don travelled to Boston and took a position as a Research Fellow at Harvard University in 1967. His time at Harvard, working with Dr. Kenneth Bainbridge, director of the Trinity Project, was one of the highlights of his career. He completed his post-doctoral work on mass spectrometry under Ken Bainbridge's guidance and valued his friendship with Ken, which continued after leaving Harvard. Though other opportunities beckoned, Don chose to return home to Winnipeg in 1969 to join the faculty of the University of Winnipeg. Don would serve this institution for the next 35 years. Don's research and teaching abilities continually drew recognition from the research community, his co-workers and students. He served for 10 years as Associate Dean of Budget and Planning, an appointment that he considered another career highlight. During this time, he came to know the faculty and support staff throughout the entire university and it was this aspect of the job that he found particularly enjoyable. His colleagues noted that he carried out his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and fairness. In the words of one of the faculty members "Professor Kerr was able to excel at his administrative duties without ever losing his enthusiasm for teaching and his love of Physics". On retiring, Don was honoured for his dedication to the University of Winnipeg when he was admitted as a Fellow of United College and named Professor Emeritus. Through even the busiest periods of his professional life, Don cherished home, family, and friends more than anything. With Judy, his home was the centre of countless gatherings, as they hosted family visiting from out of town, friends from abroad, and innumerable holiday and Sunday suppers. Winter months saw the family make many weekend ski trips to Falcon Lake, while spring weekends and long summer holidays were enjoyed at the cottage on Longpine Lake, where Don indulged his love of swimming, canoeing, sailing, and hiking, along with maintaining the old log cottage. Don always brought his banjo with him to the lake, singing and playing for his family on the veranda or around a bonfire under the stars. Don's respect for others, his kindness, work ethic and integrity are a legacy for his children and grandchildren. Don is survived by his wife Judith, son Paul (Lorraine), daughter Catherine (David), son Jeffrey (Zuzana), grandchildren Laura (Ryan), Andrew, Evan, Devon, Taryn, Samuel and Filip, sisters Helen (Brian) and Laureen (Ranjit), and sister-in-law Imeke. Don was predeceased by his brother Jeff in 2010. Don's family wishes to thank Dr. Johnston and nurse Erin for their consideration, kindness, and guidance throughout Don's illness. Thanks also to the dedicated chemotherapy nurses, especially Jacques and Shirley. If friends so desire, contributions in memory of Don may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25 at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. "Those who live nobly, even if in their day they live obscurely, need not fear they have lived in vain" - Bertrand Russell
Publish Date: Oct 24, 2014
DONALD PHILIP KERR Don died peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2014. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. Full obituary to follow on Friday.
Publish Date: Oct 23, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2014
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
-
Well Uncle Don would play his Banjo I played pot lids with chop sticks And I enjoyed his voice the way he spoke .. always full of logic and a great kind spirit - Posted by: Donald Swift (Nephew ) on: May 05, 2023
-
When I saw his name, I remembered him instantly as my radioisotopes professor when I was an undergrad at U of W in 1974. I remembered him because he struck me as someone special at the time. I remember that year-long course and over the years I have mentioned that course in my education many times as a ground-breaking course for the time period and how lucky we were as biology students to have had access to such a course. Undoubtedly it was the creative genius of Professor Kerr that such a course existed. It was very well organized and it was a lot of work, reflecting back on all what we did. It was his passion for the subject matter and wanting to share it that lead to the presentation of this course. Rest in Peace Professor Kerr - Posted by: Yves Prévost (A student of his in 1974. He taught me radioisotopes ) on: May 07, 2015
-
Don and Trevor were lifelong friends. I got to know who Don Kerr was through the stories my Dad, Trevor, used to tell about his past. There isn't enough time or space to write all the great things, and admiration, my Dad had to say about Don Kerr. He was truly a one of a kind gentleman, and was my dad's best friend. - Posted by: Jay Kemp () on: Dec 11, 2014
-
To Judy and family. We will miss seeing Don quietly sailing back and forth across the lake. Our sincere condolences. Kuzak family - Posted by: Bob and Patricia ( Lake neighbours) on: Nov 25, 2014
-
Judy-Sorry I was unable to attend. I am sure you understand. I will miss the little "Gems of wisdom " we shared " Great visits in the Peg & at the lake. He will be greatly missed-Love to you and family-Ted and Barb. - Posted by: Ted Swift,Barbara Eberts (Brother in law) on: Nov 03, 2014
-
Judy - Sorry I was unable to attend, I am sure you understand. I will miss the little "Gems of wisdom " we shared. Great visits in the Peg & at the lake. He will be greatly missed - Love to you and family - Ted and Barb. - Posted by: Ted Swift,Barbara Eberts (Brother in law) on: Nov 03, 2014
-
My sincere condolences to the family - it was always a wonderful and welcoming feeling to be greeted by Don when coming to visit. You could see his love for life in everything and everyone around him. - Posted by: Evan Kuz (Friend of family) on: Oct 28, 2014
-
Always a smile... he will be missed. - Posted by: Connie Wawruck-Hemmett (alumna, U of Winnipeg) on: Oct 25, 2014
-
I will always remember Don for his kindness. He was truly a gentleman I have wonderful memories of the times I spent with him and his family when I was in Winnipeg. Don had a great sense of humor, there was always laughter when he was around. He was a source of inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family during this sad time. Love always Shama Harrysingh - Posted by: Shama Harrysingh (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2014
-
My husband and I met Don later in his life, after he retired, yet in the thick of having fun with his grandchildren. Through his scientific eyes, and love of learning, he share the wonders of the world with his grandchildren, children and friends. We are grateful to have met him, and share laughter, drinks, and food at he and Judy's home, and at their fantastic paradise (The Lake). We wish we could join his family and friends to celebrate his life. Don Kerr was a terrific human being, father, grandfather and friend. His legacy of love, learning and life will live on through his beautiful family and devoted friends. Rest in Peace Don, and play us a tune. - Posted by: Jennifer Herron (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2014
-
Don had both Personal and Professional class. An interaction with him was Always Positive. He was a true academic who was VERY highly respected. - Posted by: marg mabee ((U of W Physics secretary)) on: Oct 23, 2014
-
Don was one of the nicest people I knew at the U of W. He was a fine scientist, an excellent Dean, someone who liked to laugh, and a real gentleman. Everyone who knew him will miss him. - Posted by: Ric Moodie (U of Winnipeg colleague) on: Oct 23, 2014
-
Don was a long-time friend and colleague whose hard work and dedication helped to shape the Physics Department and the University of Winnipeg. His commitment to teaching and passion for physics were a continual source of inspiration for me. He will be missed. - Posted by: Gabor Kunstatter (Friend and University of Winnipeg colleague) on: Oct 22, 2014
-
Don was truly a scholar and a gentleman - an outstanding physics prof and then an excellent Dean. He will be missed by all of us in science at UW. RIP. - Posted by: Ed Byard (U of Winnipeg colleague) on: Oct 22, 2014
