It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Lou Siminovitch.
The following is a message from Siminovitch Prize Laureate John Mighton on what spending time with Lou meant to him.
A great deal has been written about Dr. Lou Siminovitch’s world-changing scientific achievements. I won’t try to add to the discussions about his intellectual work, but I’ll share an observation about an aspect of his character and spirit that became apparent to me in our conversations and in conversations with people who have benefited from the Siminovitch Prize.
Given the scale of his accomplishments, Lou may well have been the most humble person I’ve ever met. And he also had one of the most engaged and curious minds I’ve ever encountered. At Siminovitch Prize celebrations, Lou never spoke about himself or his remarkable accomplishments. He cared more about getting to know the people at the events, and his conversations were animated by a genuine curiosity about how artists work and think and make discoveries.
I believe these two sides of his personality – his deep humility and his intense sense of curiosity – were connected and help explain how a single individual could change so many lives and so many fields of thought for the better.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn once wrote “It’s a universal law of education– intolerance is the first sign of an inadequate education. An ill-educated person behaves with an arrogant impatience, whereas a truly profound education breeds humility.” I expect that Lou’s natural humility was constantly enhanced by the profound breadth and depth of his experience. And his humility gave him an openness to failure and self-doubt that a person must embrace to gain that experience and to become a great scientist.
Lou and Elinore Siminovitch were both passionate innovators in the arts and sciences and they shared a similar breadth of interests. The award they inspired has given many artists the means and impetus they needed to follow their own curiosity, and to become better artists by constantly learning and taking risks.
In a time when ignorance often holds more sway than science, and when people are driven to act with arrogant impatience, Lou’s character and spirit should give us hope. We have lost someone who exemplifies the kind of thinker and citizen we need now more than ever. But from the outpouring of grief and appreciation that has come with the news of his death, it’s clear that Lou will continue to teach and inspire us even in his passing, and that his example will help us find a way forward.
– John Mighton, 2005 Siminovitch Prize Laureate
You are welcome to add your thoughts and memories in the comments below. These will be shared with the Siminovitch family.
Please also consider joining us for the next Siminovitch Forum honouring Lou and Elinore and the award they inspired.
Key to Creativity: The Intersection Between Art and Science
April 29, 2021 at 7:00 pm ET
Register here
8 Comments
Here is one of the greatest Canadians who has ever lived. What a gift he was to all of us. Thank you Dr. Siminovitch, for everything.
Canada has lost a scientist whose contributions influenced all areas of science in Canada. His unique insights and analyses will be missed by all, but his legacy will live on in the scientists he has trained and mentored over his long career.
I have lost a good friend and mentor. Lou offered me my first job when I was a post-doc at Princess Margaret Hospital in 1967. He was one of my mentors during my early scientific career and also later when I took on positions in research administrations. We met frequently over the past 30 years to discuss research, research policy as well as personal issues like family. I will greatly miss our discussions.
Lou Siminovitch was a giant in his field. And a wonderful person whose endless curiosity and engaging smile enriched the lives of everyone who came in contact with him. The Siminovitch Prize speaks to the breadth of his commitments and his deep understanding of the threads that connect us all across disciplines. This was a life truly well lived. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Very sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Lou Siminovitch. Although I am a relatively new laureate (2019), being a part of the Siminovitch Prize legacy has meant so much to me, and has continued to bolster my artistic practice throughout a very challenging time for the world and the arts. I will never forget the warmth and kindness of Dr. Lou and the Siminovitch family — it’s the kind of generosity of spirit and genuine interest and support that is rare and illuminating, elevating and deeply inspiring. Thank you, Dr Lou. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kathy and Margo and the entire Siminovitch family and community. Sending love from the west.
My deepest condolences to the Siminovitch Family. You father was a magnificent citizen and an extraordinary human being. He gave so much to the world and I share your tremendous grief at his passing. He was so proud of you and his brilliance and sense of curiosity and passion for advancement will carry on. We have lost a true pioneer and an enduring legend.
sincerely,
Atom Egoyan C.C.
Although I am very sad to hear of Dr. Lou Siminovitch’s passing, I am very inspired by the meaningful legacy that he has left in his wife’s honour. May theatre artists and audiences continue to be uplifted by this gift.
Merci, Lou, pour tout ce vous avez faites pour le théâtre au Canada. We are all the beneficiaries of your vision and wisdom. La vie est facile; l’art est difficile. You will be missed in this world where tout le monde a des réponses et pas assez de gens posent des questions. John et Anne Van Burek
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que j’apprends le départ de M. Siminovitch. Nous perdons un homme généreux, intelligent, exceptionnel pour lequel j’avais beaucoup d’affection. Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille Siminovitch.
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