Tribute
Friend and mentor

October 16, 2009

Louis T. J. Delbaere, August 18, 1943 – October 5, 2009

The Department of Biochemistry will always remember our friend and mentor, Dr. Louis Delbaere. In 1979, Louis began his work at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Biochemistry. In 30 years, Louis played an integral role in science and education. He was Department Head from 1998-2003.

Dr. Delbaere was internationally respected for his passion - X-ray crystallography. One of the proteins whose structure he elucidated was part of a space shuttle experiment. He worked with agencies such as SHRF, MRC/CIHR, Canadian Space Agency and the International Union of Crystallography. He was a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Structural Biochemistry and a beamline team leader at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron.

He received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and was appointed as an Accredited Ambassador of the Palais des Congres in Montreal. Dr. Delbaere was planning to receive the prestigious Doctor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan at the 2009 fall convocation, recognition of his international scientific reputation, surrounded by his many siblings, son Christian, daughter Michelle and beloved wife Carol.

Louis brought the Department of Biochemistry optimism, humility and a loud infectious laugh that will be remembered by everyone on campus. We will miss him.

Dr. R.L. Khandelwal
Professor and Head
Department of Biochemistry