It is with a heavy heart that the ODSA shares the news of the tragic passing of Jack Cornett, on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Jack was a very active member of the squash community. He dedicated his time on court, as a player and junior coach, and off court, as a supporter and advocate. His entire family is very much part of the squash scene. His daughter, Sam Cornett, is the highest ranked Canadian woman in the world, and his wife, Jan Lardner, is the president of Squash Ontario. Jack attended the 2017 Canadian Squash Championships in May, finishing second in the Men’s 60+ Bronze plate. A great performance in his first ever Canadian Championship!
Jack Cornett was a renowned Canadian Scientist, including as a professor and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Radiochemistry and Environmental Health at the University of Ottawa. He was an incredible mentor, supervisor and teacher. Most recently, on October 13, 2017, Dr Jack Cornett received a multi-million dollar grant from CFI (Canadian Foundation for Innovation) for research on his project “An upgraded accelerator mass spectrometer for safer nuclear waste disposal”
Dr. Jack Cornett touched many lives on and off court. He lived life to the fullest and took time to appreciate the beauty around him, while reminding others to do the same.
Celebration of Life
His family Jan, Alex, Sam, Chad, Brendan and Doug will be holding a Celebration of Life in memory of Jack on Saturday, November 4th, 2017. Everyone is welcome to attend.
- Location: University of Ottawa, Camille Villeneuve Hall
- Address: Desmarais Building, 55 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON
- Date: Saturday, November 4, 2017
- Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dr R Jack Cornett “Passion for Life and Science” (http://alumni.uottawa.ca/en/jackcornett) / “Prix Passion pour la vie et les science” R.-Jack-Cornett” (http://alumni.uottawa.ca/fr/jackcornett) fund which has been set up at the University of Ottawa. Donations can be made on-line or at the Celebration of Life.
Introduction
This award is generously created in memory of Dr. R Jack Cornett. A dedicated professor and researcher, Dr. Cornett was the Canada Research Chair in Radiochemistry and Environmental Health and a member of the Departments of Chemistry, and Earth and Environmental Sciences since 2012. Throughout his career at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Radiation Protection Bureau (Health Canada), Department of National Defense, and uOttawa, Dr Cornett created a collaborative work environment that encouraged a pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. He combined this with volunteer work and a love of the outdoors.
Purpose of Fund
Award a prize to a 3rd or 4th year undergraduate Science student who is completing an honours project and who exemplifies the qualities that Jack embodied – critical thinking, a love and curiosity of science, and a commitment to both work and personal pursuits.
