Passing of Dr. Theodore L. Sourkes
Dear Colleagues,
It is with much sadness that I communicate to you the loss of an outstanding colleague of the Faculty of Medicine and one of McGill’s best.
Professor Emeritus Theodore L. Sourkes passed away Saturday morning in Hospital, fighting pneumonia. He leaves behind his beloved wife Shena Rosenblatt Sourkes, his daughters Barbara and Myra (Richard Lewin), as well as his grandchildren Eric, David and Talia Jade. We offer his family our most heartfelt condolences.
“Ted” was an accomplished scholar and mentor to several distinguished, current McGill Professors and successful scientists across the world. He has been a constant inspiration to many friends and colleagues.
Before his McGill years, he developed Aldomet as one of the first anti-hypertensive drugs. During his McGill time, he led an internationally known lab focused on the biochemistry of brain catecholamines. His fundamental discoveries led Ted to pioneer the concept of L-DOPA replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease. This therapy has improved the quality of life for thousands if not millions of patients worldwide, a therapeutic concept which still remains valid.
Theodore Sourkes served as Professor in the McGill Departments of Psychiatry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics. His contributions have been of significance for the these disciplines, as well as for Neuroscience and Neurology. He received many honours and awards, and in 2013 McGill launched the “Theodore L. Sourkes Lectureship Series.” To name just a few of his accolades, he was Professor Emeritus at McGill University, an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Wilder Penfield Prix du Québec.
Ted was a man of vision, and a constant source of wise counsel. His depth of knowledge and commitment to the highest standards in research were and will remain a model and encouragement to us all.
The funeral will take place Tuesday, January 20 at 1:45 p.m. at Paperman and Sons:
Funeral Home
Paperman & Sons
3888 Jean-Talon O. Montreal, QC H3R 2G8
(514) 733-7101
The burial will be at the Montreal Workers' Circle Cemetery, de la Savane.
Note that the family indicated that contributions in his memory may be made to the "Theodore L. Sourkes Lecture Series in Neuropharmacology" at McGill University, or to the charity of your choice.
Taken from: A. Claudio Cuello, OC, MD, DSc, FRSC