We were sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Keith Thompson, Professor Emeritus in Dalhousie University’s Departments of Oceanography and Mathematics & Statistics. He held a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Marine Prediction and Environmental Statistics for many years and his contributions include important work on coastal forecasting and storm surge prediction. Keith generously shared his time and skills with many, mentoring both students and junior faculty. We at MEOPAR will remember his foundational support for MEOPAR and his continued guidance as the Network grew.
Keith’s contribution to MEOPAR built on a long history of leadership of collaborative research programs focused on marine prediction. He was a truly integrative thinker, able to connect his own strong expertise in physical oceanography and statistics with the fields of meteorology and climate science, ocean biology and chemistry. Based on that track record, he was asked by Dalhousie to co-lead the formulation and writing of the initial proposal for MEOPAR which he did, together with the current Scientific Director of MEOPAR, Doug Wallace.
Keith served on MEOPAR’s first Research Management Committee and played a key role in steering the development and growth of the early Network as a Theme Leader.
MEOPAR benefitted greatly from his combination of broad vision and scientific excellence and his appreciation for marine environmental risk across diverse disciplines. His vision touched most parts of the Network and we all benefitted from his wisdom.
Doug Wallace had this reflection on his years of knowing and collaborating with Keith:
“I’ve known Keith since he first arrived in Halifax. Keith showed that it’s possible for a researcher to be really smart and rigorous in thinking and criticism, yet also supportive and kind. He had a vast impact on Canadian ocean research which extended well beyond his own research and that of his immediate team and students. His contributions in formulating and getting MEOPAR up and running are just one example of that widespread impact.”
On behalf of the MEOPAR Network, we extend our condolences to Keith’s family and loved ones and his former students and colleagues.
Dalhousie’s Department of Oceanography is collecting donations to create a graduate student scholarship in Keith’s name. Anyone who wishes to can donate in memory of Keith Thompson, here.
Dr. Keith Thompson is pictured here, back row, third from the right. This photo was taken at the first meeting of MEOPAR’s International Scientific Advisory Committee and the Scientific Directors and Theme Leads.
