In memory of

John Donald Fernie

November 13, 1933 -  June 27, 2022

The Fernie family is saddened to announce the loss of Don who passed away peacefully on June 27th , 2022 at the age of 88. Beloved husband to Yvonne (d. 2008) for 53 wonderful years. Proud, loving dad to Kim (Ian) and Robyn (Stephen). Adored grandfather to Nicholas and Krysten. He will always be remembered lovingly by his extended family and friends.

Accomplished professor of astronomy at the University of Toronto and former department chair and director of the David Dunlap Observatory (Richmond Hill). He was an avid photographer, reader of books, Dad loved his classical music, singing, playing the organ, and “conducting his orchestra.” Dad also loved going for long walks and enjoyed his Sunday drives with his family in the country. Born in Pretoria, Dad moved with Mum to Thornhill in 1960 from South Africa.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 11:30 am and an interment will take place at York Cemetery (Section R). The Fernie family kindly requests that masks be worn during the service. In lieu of floral tributes, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Don’s memory. The Fernie family greatly appreciates your ongoing support during this difficult time.

Guestbook 

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Jennifer Lundell 

Entered July 2, 2022

I was very sad to learn of your father's passing, Robyn. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you & Stephen, Kris, Nick, and Kim & Ian. Although I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad, I can see from the expression in his eyes, in the wonderful photos that you've shared, what a kind and happy, warm and loving father/husband/father-in-law/grandfather he was. I'm sure he will be deeply missed. May your fond memories of happy occasions spent together with him and your Mom help to bring you comfort at this difficult time. Sending you big hugs and much love.

Ernie Seaquist (Friend and colleague)

Entered July 4, 2022 from Toronto

I was terribly saddened to hear of Don’s passing. In a way it represents the end of an era in the Department and the David Dunlap Observatory. I think of Don as pretty much the last of the foundational members of the Observatory - those who built their careers primarily on the use of the telescopes in Richmond Hill.

My deepest condolences to Don’s family and friends on this sad occasion. He will be long remembered for the many ways in which he contributed to the vitality of our astronomy community at Toronto.

Christine Clement (former colleague)

Entered July 5, 2022 from Toronto

Don was well known for his research on variable stars. However, he was also an astronomy historian and he excelled in that role, as well. He was a wonderful story teller.
I hope that future generations will have an opportunity to read his books, for example, "The Whisper and the Vision: The Voyages of the Astronomers".

Tom Barnes (Don was my PhD advisor.)

Entered July 5, 2022 from Austin, Texas

This is such sad news. I extend my sympathy to Don's family, friends, and colleagues. It was Don's research that attracted me to the UofT. Don was unwavering in his support for me during my time at DDO. At that time DDO had a rule that one's Master's had to be in a different specialization than one's PhD. When I objected to this, because I wanted to work with Don, he found a topic for me that satisfied both the faculty and me and allowed me to work with him. He taught me how to be an observational astronomer and later, how to be a good colleague. More importantly he showed me a working example of a good man. When I made a grievous error with the telescope, he taught me a lesson I have tried to follow ever since: did you do the error? 'yes'; do you know why you did it? 'yes'; do you commit to never doing it again? 'yes'. Good, let's get back to work. I still smile when I see a tin of Flying Dutchman pipe tobacco.

Judith Irwin (Former teaching assistant)

Entered July 5, 2022 from Kingston, Ontario

What sad news. I was fortunate to be Don Fernie's teaching assistant in the 1980s when he taught the History of Astronomy course at UofT. Knowing zero about the history of astronomy, I decided to sit through all of the lectures. What a treat! Every lecture was informative and interesting. A lecture style to aspire to. Later, my husband and I read his book, "The Whisper and the Vision". To this day, I think the most entertaining of any astronomy book I've ever read. His contributions to the field will be missed.

Judith Irwin

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