Physicist, National Research Council

(March 13, 1931 - June 11, 2017)

It is with deep profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Alexander Szabo, 86, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Beloved husband of almost 60 years to Terry (nee Ethel Jessica Semmens) and best father ever to Susan (Andrew Thorne), John, Eleanor, and Jennifer. Cherished brother of Frank (Dorothy) and uncle to Andrew, Michael and Peter. Predeceased by his parents János and Anna Szabo from Bekecs, Hungary (both in 1986). Alex was born in Copper Cliff, Ontario, and was a proud graduate from Queen's, McGill and Tohoku (Japan) Universities. He worked as a laser physicist at the National Research Council and continued to work as a Researcher Emeritus right to the end. He helped build the first laser in Canada in 1960 that was donated to the Canada Science and Technology Museum. A brilliant mind has been extinguished from this world. We know Poppy that you are up there in heaven playing hearts, listening to your big band music or watching CNN while doing crossword puzzles. We will miss you always. The family is grateful for the wonderful care he received at the Ottawa General Hospital from Dr. Tammy Shaw, Dr. Rick Ikesaka, Dr. Guy Hébert, Dr. Michel Dionne and the staff on 8 West, especially nurses Fardouza, Colleen, Myat, Arit, Saima, Elizabeth, Mo, Aileen, and Tricia. A private family funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or to the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated.