Professor Gerry Jones was born in the village of Llandybie in Carmarthenshire, Wales, in 1936. He attended the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and graduated (BSc) in 1957. In 1958 he taught chemistry at the Grammar School in Presteigne, Wales. In the autumn of that year, he emigrated to Canada where he commenced post-graduate studies in the chemistry department of Queen’s. He graduated after studies on the conformation of monosaccharide derivatives. During the period of 1964 to 1971 he pursued various applied and fundamental studies as a research officer at the Government of Canada’s Food and Drug Directorate, Ottawa (1964–1967); and as a research scientist at the Pulp and Paper Research Institute (PPRIC), Pointe Claire, an affiliation of McGill University, the Government of Canada, and Canadian Pulp and Paper Associated Companies, in Montreal (1967–1971). In 1971 he was appointed professor at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Université du Québec, Québec City, (1971–1997), and subsequent to retirement, as honorary professor (1997–2007).  He served as honorary professor in the Institute of Geography & Earth Sciences of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (2001–2006).

Professor Jones’ research interests knew few bounds, but focussed (!) on the holistic study of cryospheric ecosystems, from microenvironments to the biome scale and to interactions with society. He had a particular passion for relationships between the physical dynamics of snow and ice; nutrient transformations and associated ecological processes involving microbes and forests through to mammals; and atmosphere-snow/ice cover-soil and vegetation interactions.  He came alive during fieldwork, and his favourite field study areas were northern and sub-Arctic Canadian forest and lake systems. He championed laboratory cold room studies to diagnose the complex behaviour of the natural systems he was exploring. He made major discoveries and advances in linking the chemistry of seasonal snowpacks to vegetation interactions, hydrology, and microbial processes at a time when “acid rain” was a major threat to ecosystems in Canada, U.S., and Europe. His contributions to understanding that lake acidification was due to snow chemical runoff, which itself was the interaction of atmospheric deposition with the basin hydrology and ecosystem, were fundamental to predicting the impacts of acid deposition and to the scientific underpinning of treaties that would limit the industrial emissions causing acid precipitation. He was a true seer and science-shape changer. 

His innovative, interdisciplinary approach to science was complemented by his bardic gift for elocution to mentor students and draw scientists into his interests through his engaging and embracing personality – be it in the laboratory, in the field, in lecture theatres, or the pub. His great legacy was to first bring together snow physicists, chemists, climatologists, and hydrologists in interdisciplinary examinations of the snowpack, and then to include biologists and microbiologists in interdisciplinary snow and ice studies, transforming the perspective of the cryosphere from a cold, lifeless boundary condition or hydrological reservoir, into the dynamic, multiphase biome that modern studies assume. 

He initiated the Snow Ecology Working Group, consisting of scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds, to assess the meteorology, physics, chemistry, hydrology, and biology of snowpacks and snow impacts on ecosystems. He led this group to show that diverse life and complete food chains existed in the snowpack; that the seasonal snowcover was a result of complex interactions amongst the atmosphere, hydrology, vegetation, soils, microbes, insects, and mammals; and that the resulting nival habitat was a crucial ecosystem for the planet. He was the driver behind, and primary editor of, the first comprehensive book on the snow biome, Snow Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Snow-covered Ecosystems, published by Cambridge University Press in 2001. 

Professor Jones was also an inclusive leader, consummate scientific diplomat, compelling advocate, and visionary strategist. He helped initiate the IAHS Inter-Celtic Hydrology Symposia, where he promoted pioneering socio-hydrological investigations on the influence of snow hydrology and climate on the Welsh settlement of North America (from 1170 onwards!). He anticipated that cryospheric science could become a unique discipline deserving of global attention, something celebrated now by the UN’s Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. He chaired the NATO Advanced Science Institute on Seasonal Snowcovers: Physics, Chemistry, Hydrology, at Les Arcs, France in 1986, where great advances were made in the holistic consideration of the snowpack and its impacts on ecosystems. He served as president of the Eastern Snow Conference from 1989–1990 and hosted the epic joint meeting of the Western and Eastern Snow Conference in Quebec City in 1993. 

From 1999 to 2005, he served as president-elect and president of the International Commission on Snow and Ice (ICSI) of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), an association of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). At the request of the ICSI Bureau, and with the support of various IUGG Associations and other colleagues in the cryospheric community, he initiated a stepwise process during this period to elevate the status of ICSI to that of an IUGG Association, to be named the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS). In 2007 the undertaking came to fruition and IACS became the 8th Association of IUGG at the IUGG General Assembly at Perugia. He also supported the development of the International Commission for Snow and Ice Hydrology (ICSIH) of IAHS, becoming ICSIH’s first honorary past president to ensure interdisciplinary studies of cryospheric hydrology. Professor Jones was an Honorary Member of IACS, an Elected Fellow of the IUGG “for his pioneering contributions to the crosscutting field of snow ecology as well as for his relentless work towards the establishment of an International Association of Cryospheric Sciences within IUGG,” and a Life Member of the Eastern Snow Conference (ESC).

In leisure times he devoted much of his attention to such favourite subjects as the social history of Wales, metaphysics, yr iath Gymraeg, the French language and culture of Québec, an appreciation of real ales and single malt whiskies, and following the fortunes of the Llanelli “Scarlets.” Having been a fine scrum-half himself, he would defend the realm of this “finest club in Welsh Rugby” as ardently as he promoted the role of snow and ice in the biogeochemistry of the Earth’s system.

Long may he rest in peace whilst we enjoy the fruits of the work he did in shaping our modern appreciation of the great life force in the cryosphere and its importance for our planet and for the survival of humanity itself.

Mary Anne Sulis (née Kalbfleisch) was born in Chatham, ON, in 1943 to Orville and Mary Kalbfleisch. She had an older sister, Emily Joan. The family settled in Chesley, ON, where her father was principal at Chesley District High School. 

As a child, Mary Anne attended many summer camps where she learned her love of canoeing, canoe-tripping, camping, and outdoor life. In high school, she played basketball and enjoyed track and field competition. Her friend Ivadel always beat her. Mary Anne enjoyed attending Queen’s, where she finished with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Scottish dancing became a beloved hobby while at university and she danced with her troop in full dress on Saturdays at university football games. She earned her teaching degree soon thereafter.

Mary Anne met her future husband, Edward Sulis, while she was teaching English and physical education at high school in Guelph, ON. They were married in Chesley on Aug. 6, 1966, and in a spirit of adventure, soon left southern Ontario and moved to South Porcupine, in the north-eastern part of the province. There, they had two children, Stephen Edward (1969) and Mary Kathleen, known as Kate (1972). Mary Anne volunteered a lot in the community, taking on leadership roles in the local Girl Guide and Brownie groups, and running their summer camps. As her children got older, she went back to school at Northern College, eventually accepting a much-loved position as a professor of technical writing. 

When not teaching, Mary Anne enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, canning and preserving, picking berries, camping, canoeing, and Taoist tai chi. She also enjoyed cycling and skiing. She loved cats, having had several throughout her life. 

Mary Anne and Ed retired to Kentville, N.S. in 2000, where they enjoyed living on a small property with abundant trees, gardens, and wildlife. They were ardent supporters of the Wolfville Farmer’s Market and enjoyed the abundance and quality of local Annapolis Valley foods. 

Mary Anne started the Kentville branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society in the fall of 2000 and enjoyed teaching and participating in tai chi classes until 2020. 

Ed had been very attentive in the past couple of years, as Mary Anne’s health had declined due to Parkinson’s disease. Mary Anne’s greatest legacy rests in the gifts she gave to her family: the stability of a safe and steady upbringing, which allowed her children to grow and flourish; the example of a marriage that thrived; a love of writing and reading; the modelling of perseverance and hard work; a love of the outdoors; and a home filled with encouragement and unconditional support. 

Mary Anne died on Earth Day, April 22, 2026. She is survived by her husband, Edward Sulis; her children, Stephen (Carol) and Kate (Tim); her grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew; and Tim’s daughter, Sally, in the U.K. She will be missed deeply and remembered fondly. 

March 19, 1947 – April 19, 2026

Suddenly entered into rest at the Belleville General Hospital, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, Dave Dodd of Picton, died at the age of 79. Son of the late Bill and Dorothy Dodd (nee Vernon), and beloved husband for 55 years to Jill (nee Lister). Loving father of Steven of Picton. Survived by his brother, Peter (Terry) of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.  

Dave graduated from Queen's with a Chemical Engineering degree in 1971. 

The family would like to thank Picton and Belleville Hospital staff for their care and compassion in caring for Dave in his final days.

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the Prince Edward Yacht Club, 30 Fairfield St., Picton, in the summer.

Morley, Jane Elizabeth died unexpectedly on Nov. 24, 2025, at age 71 of familial heart disease. Jane leaves behind her beloved children, Paul and Alex. She is deeply missed by her sisters-in-law: Helen, Alexandra, and Wendy; her brother-in-law, Brian; her nephews, and her surviving relatives on her mother’s side (Ricker). 

Jane was predeceased by her cherished husband, Walter Myrka (2018); as well as her aunt, Bernie Morley (2010); brother, John Morley (2010); father, Lloyd Morley (2000); mother, Doris Morley (2012); aunt, Marion Ricker (1986); brother-in-law, Ron Wasilishin (2020); and uncle, John Ricker (2022).

Jane graduated from Queen’s Law in 1980. Her years at Queen’s were pivotal as she developed a passion for justice, lifelong friendships, and most importantly met Walter. Theirs was a true and unfaltering partnership. Following graduation, both Jane’s and Walter’s callings were in public service.

Jane’s career was devoted to Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). Her particular focus was fair representation for individuals in criminal and refugee cases, both of whom seek justice in the face of the overwhelming resources of the state. For many years, Jane was the director of LAO LAW, which provides valued and respected legal support and resources for LAO staff lawyers, duty counsel, and lawyers acting for legally aided clients across Ontario. After retiring in 2019, Jane continued to dedicate time to justice and dignity for vulnerable populations through her volunteer work for a variety of charities, including those focused on food insecurity, antisemitism, racism, and victims of torture.

Jane led a principled life. Her career was deeply driven by her values and unusually strong sense of justice. To her friends and family, she gave unconditional loyalty and empathy, capped off with a uniquely dry sense of humour. Despite her severe allergy to pets, she could not resist sharing her warmth with any dog or cat that she met.

It was family, however, that was most important to Jane, and she valued Walter and her boys above all. With them, she lived life to the fullest and particularly shared a love of the outdoors and outdoor sports. The family shared many adventures, especially at their second home in Muskoka.

While she purported to be alarmed by the daredevil escapades of Walter, Paul, and Alex, the twinkle in her eye and smile in her voice gave away the joy these family moments brought her. Following Walter’s passing and her retirement, Jane continued to embrace and delight in outdoor adventures with Alex ranging from sea-cave kayaking in Channel Islands National Park (California), to rainforest hiking in Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica) and tropical snorkelling in Aruba.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Pine Hills Funeral Center Toronto on June 6, 2025, at 12 p.m. Please RSVP.  If desired, donations may be made to the Geneva Center for Autism, Pegasus Toronto, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, or a charity of your choice.