London, Ontario – Dr. Keith Alan Hobson, a trailblazing figure in the field of isotope ecology and conservation, passed away peacefully at his home on October 2, 2024, following a brief battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He was 70 years old.
Born on July 10, 1954, in Harrow, England, Dr. Hobson immigrated with his family to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1966. His lifelong passion for nature and conservation was evident through his groundbreaking work on animal migration and food web analysis using stable isotopes, a field that he significantly advanced throughout his distinguished career.
Dr. Hobson earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Simon Fraser University in 1977, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Manitoba and a Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan. His research took him across ecosystems from the Arctic to the Antarctic and had a profound impact on conservation science worldwide.
As a Senior Research Scientist at Environment Canada and a Professor of Biology at Western University, Dr. Hobson mentored countless students and published over 650 scientific papers. His work on Monarch butterfly conservation in Mexico and Latin America garnered international recognition, and he was honored with numerous accolades, including election to the Royal Society of Canada in 2013.
Dr. Hobson is survived by his wife, B. Xiomara Mora Alvarez, and his two sisters, Debra Ann Dailey and Julie Frances Constantini. The scientific community, along with his family, friends, and colleagues, mourn the loss of a brilliant mind whose contributions will inspire future generations.
Frank R. Moore expressed his condolences on Facebook, stating, "Enjoyed working with Keith because of his talent and his eagerness to engage. Memories. Thoughts and comfort to family and friends."