Gary Roy Anthony Bortolotti

[Fern Davies]

GARY ROY ANTHONY BORTOLOTTI

 

http://www.usask.ca/biology/bortolotti/

 

Gary was born August 17, 1954 in Smiths Falls, Ontario and died from complications of acute leukemia on July 3, 2011 in Saskatoon, SK. He is survived by his children, Lauren and Eric; his wife of 23 years, Heather Trueman; sister, Linda (Michael Hutcheon) and predeceased by his parents, Roy Bortolotti and Elisa Bortolotti Bulfon. Following his passions, Gary lived a life of adventure. His passion for nature drew him to his career as a biologist, first as a Ph.D. student doing research on Besnard Lake-a place that remained dear to him all his life. He joined the Biology Department of the University of Saskatchewan in 1987, first as a University Research Fellow, a prestigious national award. Moving quickly through the ranks to full professor, he was appointed the Houston Professor of Ornithology and Rawson Professor of Biology and served the university community in various capacities, including as Assistant Head of the Biology Department for 8 years. He had a broad, extensive research program, working with colleagues around the world, especially in Spain. An inspiring teacher and dedicated scientist, Gary was a world-renowned avian biologist- with wide-ranging impact on fields including behaviour, physiology, ecology and evolutionary biology. An avid and talented photographer, Gary recorded his passion for nature for us all to share. The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7th at Windsor Chapel, 704 Windsor Street (corner of 8th Avenue N. and Windsor Street), Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be designated to the Gary Bortolotti Award in Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. Call 1-800-699-1907 to make a donation.