A sad anniversary in Al Pater’s life

November 2, 2004

Hi All,

It is 10 years ago today, November 2, 1994, that my wife Dr. M.

Pater, at that time in 23 years of marriage, passed away. It is a

sad memory.

The initial horror, disbelief and shock were at the time

overwhelming. Even my own close encounters with the Grim Reaper

cannot compare. Her passing left an incomparable effect on my life.

It greatly affected All of You who had been so close to her and loved

her.

A testament to her contribution to the science of viral infection and

cancer is her PhD thesis studies in which she published two papers in

the pre-eminent science journal, Nature. The many tens of papers

that she published in good journals, with support acknowledging only

our laboratory, are through her genius in science.

Much in my life since has changed. After the initial passing, many

of the students in our laboratories left our research programs.

There was a hiatus period of a few years when I continued to receive

grant funding and the dedicated support from the remaining members of

the laboratory. I also was on the MRC Grants Review Panel for

several years. My collaboration with Dr. Shou-Ching Chang was

crucial to the continued research program for an additional number of

years. They were good years in interest and research studies.

After this transition period, my research efforts slowly

deteriorated. It seemed as though my professional and personal

health were falling apart.

Now, all to me seems greatly improved. My having resolved to leave

my professional career, I have developed a greater loving

relationship with my family in BC.

Life in BC is so much more to my personal wishes and needs. I love

nature and certainly have the time and interest to marvel at its

wonder and beauty here in South Coastal BC.

My friends in the Calorie Restriction Groups with whom I initiated

interest while still in St. 's, Newfoundland, additionally have

provided a warm community of like-minded individuals who share a

common goal for their lives, interests and knowledge.

Cheers and love to All of You special persons in my life.

Al Pater.

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