Obituary of John Richard Trevithick

Peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday February 20, 2018, John Trevithick of London in his 80th year. Cherished husband of 50 years of the late Donna (nee Copeland; 2018) and the late Katherine (nee Allan; 1967). Beloved father and grandfather of Caroline and her husband Louis Gagnon and their children Christopher, Katherine, Stephanie, Michael and Luke. Loving father of Scott and his wife Dianne and adoring grandfather of Elise and Benjamin. Precious father and scientific mentor of Colleen and her husband Chris Sutton and treasured grandfather of Cassandra and Arianna. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Anne and Derek Smeeton and Joan and John Sheffield, Ombra and the late Murray May, and the late Murray Copeland. John will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. John graduated from Queen’s University in Chemistry in 1961 and completed his PhD in Physiological Chemistry in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. With an NRC Postdoctoral Fellowship, he studied for two years at the University of British Columbia with Dr Gordon Dixon and Dr Michael Smith (who later won a Nobel Prize). In 1967 he joined the Biochemistry Department at Western University and later became Professor. During his years at Western, he chaired the United Way campaign for the university, was active in the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association, serving as Chairman/President and several terms as Treasurer. John was also a Chair of the University Parking and Traffic Committee and represented the Graduate Faculty as a member of the University Senate, and alternate to the Council of Ontario Universities. John was active in Science Fair judging, serving several times as deputy Chief Judge for the Canada-wide Science Fair when it was held at Western. John published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and presented many posters at international meetings for eye and vision research. John trained and mentored many high school, undergraduate, and graduate students with his long-time research associate and friend, Thomasz Dzialoszynski. John retired from the Biochemistry Department in 2003, and later became Professor in the Kinesiology Department to embark on a multi-year project funded by the Canadian Space Agency to develop dietary agents to decrease the risk of cataracts for astronauts on space voyages to Mars. John was active as an elder in New St. James Presbyterian Church and Metropolitan United Church where he and his wife Donna taught church school classes. John’s hobbies included woodworking, photography, and swimming. John enjoyed many years of jogging with his good friend Eddie Ebanks. John travelled all over the world: for research collaborations, scientific conferences, and for fun. Friends will be received at Metropolitan United Church 476 Wellington St. on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 1-2 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Metropolitan United Church on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at 2 p.m. Spring internment will take place at Kirkton Union Cemetery. Kirkton, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to Logan Funeral Home 371 Dundas St. (between Waterloo and Colborne St.), (519) 433-6181. Friends who wish to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Center or the Metropolitan United Church Foundation (519 432 7189). Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca Services: Service Date Sunday, March 4, 2018 Service Time 2:00 p.m. Service Location Metropolitan United Church 468 Wellington St. Visitation Sunday, March 4, 2018 Visitation Time 1-2 p.m. Visitation Location Metropolitan United Church 468 Wellington St. Requested Charity London Regional Cancer Centre or the Metropolitan United Church Foundation