In Memoriam: Dr. Samuel Solomon (1925-2008)

Doctor Samuel Solomon, a leading Canadian medical researcher and administrator at McGill University, died Saturday, December 13 in Montreal. He was eighty-three and died at home of complications following a stroke, surrounded by his wife and children. Samuel Solomon was born in Brest-Litovsk, Poland and immigrated to Canada in 1935 with his mother and three sisters, his father having preceded them to find a place for the family. He earned his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from McGill University before conducting research at Columbia University where he began his academic career as an assistant professor in 1955. Dr. Solomon returned to McGill in 1960 and was named associate professor and then professor in the Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biochemistry in 1970. He was named Professor Emeritus in 1995. At the time, Dr. David Goltzman, Professor of Medicine and Physiology at McGill said, “Sam Solomon’s knowledge of steroid biochemistry combined with his research on the fundamental molecular signaling in early development and his passion as a researcher and teacher led to major innovations in the then new field of molecular endocrinology and development.” His work in endocrinology and biochemistry won him numerous international awards, including membership in the Royal Society of Canada, which awarded him the McLaughlin Medal. He became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997. As the abuse of steroids in sport became an international issue, Dr. Solomon shared his expertise in the field as a member of the Dublin Commission in 1989. He and his wife Dusty spent much of their spare time and retirement years at their home in the Eastern Townships; he became a passionate gardener and came to love both the place and the people. Samuel Solomon is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, the retired journalist Dusty Vineberg Solomon. He is also survived by his three sons, Dr. David Solomon (Lucy Solimar) of New York City; Dr. Peter Solomon (Anne Gillespie) of Hull, Quebec; and Jonathan Solomon (Melissa Johnson) of Ottawa – as well as by his five grandchildren, Rachel and Juliet; Jack and Michael; and Felix. He is also survived by two sisters, Lila Gottheil of Montreal and his twin sister Genia Albrecht of Ithaca, NY, a sister-in-law, Trina Vineberg Berenson of Montreal, as well as by nephews, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Edith Strauss. Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Tuesday, December 16 at 2 p.m. Burial at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery, Mt. Royal Blvd. Shiva at his home through Wednesday evening, December 17. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Faculty of Medecine, McGill University, 514-398-1768.