In September 2013, the Waterloo mourned the loss of
Professor Jeno Matyas Scharer, a man with a prodigious
mind. He was a versatile, multi-talented intellectual with a
deep passion for life.
Jeno was born in Hungary in February 1939. He fought in
the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and later escaped to
America, where he furthered his education with a BSc and
PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1968, Jeno
moved to Canada and began a fulfilling, lifelong academic
career at Waterloo’s Chemical Engineering department.
Jeno’s scientific endeavours were as interdisciplinary and
diverse as he was, exploring areas in engineering, biology,
earth sciences and chemistry. His research offered a
compelling union between engineering concepts and
biochemical and microbiological principles, enabling him to
study the dynamics of biological processes. The scope of
this research ranged from mammalian cell culture, to
microbial oxidation of sulphide minerals and acid mine
drainage. His work was often recognized within the scien-
tific community, and his credibility, combined with his cogent
demeanour, allowed him to play key roles in the attainment
of several research grants. In addition to his personal work,
Jeno frequently attended conferences, wrote a considerable
number of papers and participated in various events and
organizations, both academic and social.
Jeno was loved by both faculty and students alike.
Described by his students as “caring and compassionate”,
one of Jeno’s most cherished academic activities was his
mentoring of students and other trainees, who had a special
admiration of him. Fellow colleague Murray Moo-Young
reminiscences:
Jeno was an energetic colleague who was blessed
with an extensive grasp of biotechnology knowl-
edge, which he shared with many of us. Impor-
tantly, he was happily engaged in group synergistic
research collaborations. Indeed, we were
energized with his valuable scintillating participa-
tion during the discussions at meetings.
While Jeno’s time was extensively devoted to his academic
passions, he also made time for what was most important to
him: family. Jeno was a loving husband and father of five –
six if you include his adorable pup, Rufus – and grandfather
of 12. Jeno’s curious nature had him deciphering the roots
of his familial origins, dabbling in genealogy and locating
lost relatives from around the world.
With his affections for biological and earth sciences, it is no
surprise that Jeno was quite fond of the outdoors. In
memory of the energetic and nature-loving Professor,
Waterloo’s Chemical Engineering department created a
team and participated in the 2013 Kitchener/Waterloo
Wheelchair Relay Challenge. On the event’s website, a
hopeful statement of intent was posted alongside the entry:
“We are willing to mark our appreciation of his significant
research career, and kind support and supervision of his
students over more than 40 years.”
Undeniably, Jeno was a remarkable man and a brilliant
asset to our institution. Those who knew him fondly recall
his witty and charming sense of humour and fun, yet
relaxed demeanour. Although he will be terribly missed,
Jeno will live on in the memories of his loved ones,
colleagues and students.
February 26, 1939 – September 1, 2013
In Memoriam
Professor Jeno Scharer
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