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Martin Bertrand lit a candle
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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I am deeply sadened to learn that Jeremy has passed away. He was my teacher at Laval in the nineties and I still consider him to be my scientific father. He was kind, rigourous, he knew how to ask the good questions and he even taught me what good wine was. His colleagues and students recognised his great ability at science. One of them once told me as a student " You can either be a prolific or a good scientist. Mr McNeil is both. "
Martin Bertrand
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Bruno Genevcius posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
I spent a month in his lab during my PhD in 2018. He was one of the kindest persons I ever met. I will never forget his hospitality.
Bruno Genevcius
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David Lagacé posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
I randomly met Jeremy in 2003 on the top of a mountain in central Mexico while I was working with the Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve. I remember helping him collecting samples that he needed, and we came down the mountain chatting for two hours nonstop. We kept in touch, and he later offered the young undergraduate that I was the chance of joining his lab to complete a master under his guidance.
I will forever remember his high energy level, deep passion for biology, sense of humour and incredible story telling ability. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to know him closely and I will cherish these memories fondly.
I hope that wherever he migrated now is full of Lepidoptera and other wonderful insects!
Thanks for everything Jeremy!
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Leah Travis posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
I first met Jeremy in the Fall of 1968 when he was a science student at Western. He was a great favourite at our family home in London spending Christmas with us all those years ago. He remained a greatly admired and beloved friend.
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Lauren posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2024
I had the great pleasure of being one of Dr. McNeil's biology students in the fall of 2023. He was wonderfully personable, effortlessly funny, and very clearly passionate about his work. I found out only after his death about how accomplished he truly was because he had a level of humility that was unmatched.
In addition to wanting the best for his students, he also wanted the best for his colleagues. One of my fondest memories of him, besides his jokes in class, was him attending another professor's lecture about her research and asking her questions about it in order to help her feel less nervous. He was a very kind soul and will be truly missed by everyone who had the fortune of crossing his path.
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Gilles Boiteau posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
I was a Master degree student when Jeremy arrived at l'Université Laval. His insect ecology course when he was still under language probation has had a profound influence on the orientation of my research. Uncertain as to whether or not I should pursue to doctoral studies, his energy convinced me to dare consider doing a PhD in North Carolina under Dr. J.R. Bradley in the famous insect pest management group of Dr. R.L. Rabb, le maître à penser de Jérémie, at Method Road: some of the best advice I ever got.
Jérémie a eu une influence remarquable au Québec et ailleurs, sur l'augmentation du nombre d'étudiants choisissant l'entomologie comme carrière. Tout un héritage!
Gilles Boiteau
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Thanit Pewnim posted a condolence
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Jeremy is a great friend of Thailand’s scientific community. His scientific ability was excellent. His skill in science communication was super special. Jeremy, we miss you.
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Sara Sharma posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, July 28, 2024
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Professor. Jeremy was one of my first year biology professors this past year (December 2023). He was always so passionate about everything that he taught telling us stories about his research and adventures which always put a smile on my face. You could see his passion for teaching and willingness to pass on everything that he had learned to his students. He also loved to make jokes during class that were actually really funny! He was always super happy with a smile on his face. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of professor McNeil., he will be missed.
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Vicki Simkovic posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, July 27, 2024
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Jeremy was my Master's thesis co-supervisor. He played a major role in making my Master's a positive experience. Among many things, he taught me how to write a good paper and improve my writing skills. I will remember what a kind, compassionate person he was, how he genuinely cared about my well-being and success after graduating. We stayed in touch after and I have many fond memories of our discussions about career and life in general. It was always a pleasure to talk to him and I gained many life insights from him. I'm saddened there won't be more conversations with him, it is hard to envision the Western biology department without him. He left a mark, and will be greatly missed.
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Philippe Daigle posted a condolence
Friday, July 26, 2024
Un professeur d'exception. Un GRAND humain. Toutes mes sympathies à la familles et aux amis.
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Cailyn McKay posted a condolence
Thursday, July 25, 2024
I was Jeremy's last PhD student, having transferred from the MSc program 3 weeks before he passed. Jeremy was the most supportive supervisor I could have ever asked for. Like most people he met, I held Jeremy's opinion in high regard and I will forever cherish the faith he had in me and my abilities.
Jeremy made science feel accessible...he would be the first to tell you of the less-than-stellar academic performances of his youth and would openly admit to being a chemical ecologist that knows nothing about chemistry. Because of his history, he saw the potential in many and was an incredible role model - showing you can be an excellent scientist while also having time for personal endeavours. Jeremy was incredibly easy to talk to...though sometimes too easy to talk to as I would catch him chatting in the hallway when we were supposed to have a meeting. He had a way with people in all walks of life which lent itself well to his work as the fantastic promoter of science we knew him to be.
Jeremy's love for education, science, and of course bugs, was infectious. In my 3 years of knowing him, I watched as being at the field station, in the lab, or even just hearing interesting experimental results would put a twinkle in his eye. His love for ecology and his little "beasties" will be carried on in the hearts of those he has touched.
Jeremy supported not only his current students and employees, but also his colleagues, past students, and any researcher who approached him for counsel. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to learn as much as possible from Jeremy and I hope to contribute even a small amount towards the legacy he has left.
Jeremy was a stellar researcher, an incredible teacher, and a remarkable man. My condolences to all who were ever privileged enough to have met or worked with Jeremy, he is truly irreplaceable. My sincerest condolences to Shelley, Jamie, Chris, and family.
"...and I, for one, am willing to risk my neck a little longer in an effort to prove that moths are just as good as butterflies." (McNeil, 1987)
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Joan Barry posted a condolence
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Deborah and family please accept my deepest sympathies. I remember Jeremy very well from our youth. He would return to Curling (part of Corner Brook), Newfoundland for the summers after spending the year at boarding school in England. We lived next door and our families were friends. He was always so nice and of course, extremely handsome with his longish British hair cut.
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Irene Krajnyk posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
My sincere condolences to Shelley and the family. I met Jeremy in my role as course administrator for several biology courses at Western. It was a pleasure to support Jeremy in the many courses he taught over the years. Jeremy had a great sense of humour. He shared stories of his travels, wonderful photographs, and wine. Upon my retirement Jeremy gifted me with a beautiful photograph of monarch butterflies. I was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness and kindness. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Jeremy.
Irene Krajnyk
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Joanna Konopka posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
I could not have asked for a better mentor and supervisor (MSc and PhD) than Jeremy. He gave me freedom to follow the research directions that were most interesting to me, while providing invaluable feedback and advice every step of the way. I knew that I could always seek his guidance and ask his professional and personal opinions, which he shared with no hesitation.
Every time I was on university campus, I made sure to walk the hallway on the 3rd floor of BGS building at UWO, where Jeremy’s office was located. It always made me happy to see his door open because I knew I could stop by even just to say “hi” or share some exciting new results. Sometimes if Jeremy was busy on the phone, I would wait in the hallway admiring his beautiful photos of insects and other creatures which he so skillfully captured during one of his travels.
Jeremy always welcomed me with a big smile and eagerly listened to everything I shared with him. I never left his office unsure or with unresolved issues. Jeremy cared very deeply about his trainees and their success, and I can confidently say that he championed me and my work when I didn’t yet have confidence to do that for myself.
At this point, I have known Jeremy for nearly half of my life. He certainly was one of the most important scientific and academic mentors to me, but I think I am also lucky to consider him a dear friend and colleague, something that not every student can say about their graduate supervisor.
I have learnt a lot from Jeremy. This includes all facets of entomology and behavioral ecology, as well as what it means to be a scientist, a member of academic community, a teacher, a mentor, and a kind and generous person. I hope I can continue to honor him by doing rigorous science and always asking and considering broader questions in a context of insect biology and ecology while giving back to the entomological community that Jeremy so dearly loved. Jeremy will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, and I will always cherish the time I was so fortunate to have spent with him.
Joanna K. Konopka
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Stephanie Hilton posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
I met Jeremy as an undergraduate in Zoology at Western University. I ran into him over the years at conferences, at work at Agriculture Canada, at the airport and at the market. It was always a pleasure to see him, and talk to, as well as attend his enthusiastic presentations. His well-written obituary describes him as I remember. He was a force and will be missed. My condolences to the family.
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France Bauduin posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Jeremy was a great friend, we shared many meals followed by a Tarot card game while in Quebec and he came visit the children in my school once I moved in England. We kept in touch until very recently. I offer you my sincere condolences. He is going to be missed dearly
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Eligio García Serrano posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, July 22, 2024
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I was fortunate to meet Jeremy, a great person and excellent researcher,
Please wait
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Michelle Amlin posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, July 22, 2024
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Dearest Shelley and Jeremy's loving families, thank you for bringing Jeremy into our lives. His smile and humour, his welcoming and loving nature, his knowledge of fine wine and good food, his ever present brilliance, zest and enthusiasm, and his love for our friend Shelley always drew us to him. I wish my family and I had more opportunities to share his company. Sending love and condolences on his passing. Take good care.
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Dominick Pallotta posted a condolence
Monday, July 22, 2024
Jeremy was a long time colleague and friend while he worked in the biology department at Laval University. I have rarely seen anyone who enjoyed science and worked so hard at it as Jeremy. He had boundless energy and his enthusiasm for science was contagious and a stimulation to students and colleagues. . A seven day work week was a common occurrence for him. After work he still had the energy to work in his garden and drink some good wine. He was always recognizable in his jeans and one of his beloved T shirts, with phrases like Insects Suck. He was a truly unique person and he will be missed by friends, collègues and students.
Dominick Pallotta, professor emeritus of biology, Laval University.
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Sheila Macfie posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, July 22, 2024
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Jeremy was my beloved friend and colleague. I have many fond memories of him, including his amazing photographs, wry sense of humour and entertaining stories. My favourite story was the one he would tell about the confusion his name generated among his colleagues at Laval. Soon after his arrival there, one of them finally had the nerve to ask him if his first name really was "Cher ami" or if that was his nickname. I can think of no better mistake to make. Jeremy was a cher ami to so many people!
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Louise Milligan posted a condolence
Monday, July 22, 2024
I was fortunate to have Jeremy as a friend and colleague for some 20 years. He was tremendously generous with his knowledge, time, photographs, food and wine. I could always count on him when in need of a catchy photo to promote Biology @ Western, a sounding board, a good meal, and of course, a glass or 2 of some amazing wines. He will be missed.
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Bonnie Schmidt posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, July 22, 2024
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Jeremy was a dear friend – to me and to Let’s Talk Science – for decades. An accomplished researcher, his commitment to engaging youth in science was incredible and worthy of the recognition he received. Jeremy supported a variety of our programs and he worked on two children’s books with Let’s Talk Science -one about insects and the other about climate change. Thanks to his generosity, we will also be able to share many of his amazing photographs with educators to use in their classrooms. I will deeply miss our animated conversations about politics, science, policy and education – which were often paired with wine (at least until covid ravaged his taste buds). Jeremy leaves an incredible legacy, with which few can compare. He impacted the lives of so many people around the world. A toast to you, my friend.
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Heidi Francke posted a condolence
Monday, July 22, 2024
Jeremy was such a close friend to the entire family for many decades. Even though he is no longer where he was, he is still wherever we carry our memories of him. And there are so many of them! On the occasion of chemical ecology we have maintained and deepened our friendship over all these years on all continents. Be it in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Japan or the various stations in Europe. Our shared car trip through Poland to Vilnius in Lithuania remains a special memory. We actually made it to the opening session of the ISCE Congress only to realize that the Eastern European time difference meant we arrived exactly at the end of the session. We were then able to receive a warm personal welcome from all participants. Unforgettable!
We really enjoyed having Jeremy at our home in Reinbek, Germany so many times. We enjoyed cooking together and having incredible wine tastings together. And speaking of cooking, we loved Jeremy's Thai Food!! Meals and wine tastings in Reinbek were accompanied by wonderful, long walks always deepend in conversations from the first minute. Our trips to Burgundy, France with great picnics and again winetastings (of course!) in the vineyards were also unforgettable.
If we didn't meet in person, Jeremy always knew that he could reach Wittko by phone at 2 a.m. our time (!). It was also nice to meet Shelley and Jeremy at their home in London, Ontario. We went on so many trips and experienced a lot! It was simply a wonderful time.
All these memories will always be connected to Jeremy’s kindness and heartfelt warmth.
We will miss him greatly, but his memory remains alive in all of us.
Heidi with Christian and Michael and the entire Francke family
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Biology Department, Western University donated to LET'S TALK SCIENCE/PARLONS SCIENCE
Monday, July 22, 2024
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Michel Clegg posted a condolence
Monday, July 22, 2024
I knew and worked with Jeremy and would be happy to contribute a remembrance and a couple of photos.
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Verna Mccloskey posted a condolence
Monday, July 22, 2024
Dear Shelley and Family … My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you move through this very difficult time.May precious memories bring you peace and comfort. . Rest In Peace Jeremy.
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Michel Cusson posted a condolence
Sunday, July 21, 2024
It is one of Jeremy’s riveting lectures, attended while I was an undergrad at the University of Sherbrooke, that ignited my desire to pursue a carrier in entomology. A few months later, I found myself working for him as a summer student, which turned out to be a stepping stone to the PhD I would later undertake under his mentorship – a decision I never regretted. That marked the beginning of a life-long research collaboration and a most loyal and enjoyable friendship. I will for ever remain admirative of Jeremy’s exceptional research drive, his talent as a communicator, his capacity for hard work, his creativity and his remarkable wit. Undeniably, his sincerity and generosity made him a most endearing human being. I will greatly miss our regular conversations, correspondence and traditional get-togethers at the annual meetings of the Entomological Society of Canada. I offer Shelley and all members of Jeremy’s family my most sincere condolences.
Michel Cusson
Quebec City
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Conrad Cloutier posted a condolence
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Je suis attristé d’apprendre le décès d’un des profs les plus remarquables que j’ai connu dans ma carrière. Je garderai un excellent souvenir d’un collègue-chercheur reconnu pour ses travaux en Biologie du comportement des insectes. Je n’étais pas étonné que les nombreux étudiants et étudiantes brillants qu’il a dirigés l’aient choisi comme mentor. J’admirais son habileté extraordinaire à stimuler leur curiosité et à leur enseigner la complexité de la vie des insectes, souvent sur un ton rigolo et blagueur, de même qu’à leur montrer les habiletés importantes de la vie professionnelle de haut niveau.
Too bad that life ends up tormenting people like Jeremy, and claiming them back with such difficult last moments.
Conrad Cloutier
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Jean Bédard posted a condolence
Sunday, July 21, 2024
J'ai été collègue de Jeremy de 1974 à 2000. Il n'était pas seulement un collègue parmi d'autres : Jeremy était un immense personnage. Il était authentique, coloré, drôle et extraordinairement généreux. Il disposait de telles réserves d'énergie et s'intéressait à tellement de domaines que je n'ai jamais pensé qu'il cesserait de briller un jour. Il m'aura étonné encore une fois.
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Walter S. Leal posted a condolence
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Jeremy is one of the most beloved members of our chemical ecology community. His impeccably prepared presentations at our annual meetings were humorous, thought-provoking, and displayed academic rigor. His casual outfit, preferentially displaying an entomology-themed T-shirt over a formal tie, made it easier for newcomers to approach him. Jeremy welcomed, inspired, helped, and mentored the newcomers to the field. To those who say, “No one is irreplaceable,” I say, “You are wrong regarding Jeremy McNeil.” He was one of a kind. The world was a better place with Jeremy on it. We will miss him greatly, but his memory remains alive and an inspiration. Requiesce in pace, Jeremy.
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Peter McLay posted a condolence
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Jeremy, you'll always be part of our lives; whenever we see a Monarch butterfly, when we decide to remove an insect from our homes instead of squashing it, when we see an Iris unfurling it's petals in spring, when we bite into a deliciously fragrant stinky cheese, when we're sipping an unusually good wine, and as we write this trying to ensure there are no spelling or grammer errors. You'll be there.
George & Peter
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Victoria Hayter posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Deapest condolences to you, Debbie, & to all the family- fond memories from a long ago childhood in Corner Brook,Nl. God Bless
Sincerely, Vicki Hayter- nee Burton
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Bob Bailey posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
It was 2004 when I first met Jeremy. He was a candidate for Chair of our newly established Biology department and I was part of the search committee. It was probably best for all, including Jeremy, that he didn’t become Chair of Biology, but rather an absolutely critical professor in our department as an incredible researcher and teacher. He became a great friend and I loved to hear his stories and learn from his wise counsel as I blundered my way towards being a senior academic. Love to Shelley and all of his family. He was, and remains, a force to be reckoned with. RIP Jeremy!
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Phil Dean posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Jeremy was a rare, unforgettable, very human, being. To interact with him as a colleague was, for me, Phil, pure delight. Still, he could be a stickler for some things. For example, he insisted that his under-graduate students learn to write coherent, grammatically-correct reports. He would rather assign his class, usually at least 100 students, three essays to count towards their course mark - then spend most of his time marking them - than settle for a easier way (for students AND himself) to get marks.
The Dean Family mourns with Jeremy's Family. In terms of Condolences, we can't better the words of our youngest grandson, Dane Blair (of Manitoulin Island): "I hope Jeremy is in a place with lots of butterflies now!"
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Staffan Lindgren posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Jeremy, Some 40+ years ago I was still a student at Simon Fraser University, and I remember being excited about the prospect of you joining the SFU faculty. That did not come to pass, but I had the privilege to get to know you over the past four decades. My favourite memory of you was from an ISCE meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, when you borrowed my dinner jacket so you could meet the dress code of a night club. You were a great scientist and mentor, and you will be missed. Rest in peace!
Staffan Lindgren
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Bernard Roitberg posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Jeremy - Forty-seven years ago, you welcomed me, a shy, solitary, young graduate student from UBC to join your Laval cohort and later praised my early scientific contributions; that meant a lot to me. Thank you my friend, I will miss you.
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Bernard Philogene posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Dear Jamie, Chris and family. Sincere condolences.
I had the unique opportunity to become acquainted with Jeremy in 1972. A remarkable individual, a brilliant scientist. the best insect scientist I ever met and had the opportunity to collaborate with. May he rest in peace.
Bernard Philogene
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Helga Guderley posted a condolence
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Jeremy was such a stimulating colleague! He always had time to discuss projects and ideas. He would often push his fellow profs to reevaluate how we did things, often in a very productive fashion. Jeremy loved discussing science and imparting ideas to students. His lab was full of a jumble of chemical equipment and all the cages and materials needed to raise his beloved beasties. His departure from Laval left a big hole. How could any working group not feel bereft when someone like Jeremy leaves. Plus Jeremy was a great partner at squash! Sad to lose him.
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Zeba Hashmi donated to St. Joseph's - Hospice of London
Friday, July 19, 2024
Dear Shelley and family,
I am saddened for your loss. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about Jeremy and his contributions during his lifetime. May all of you have ease during this difficult time.
Please wait
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Kimberly Loney donated to LET'S TALK SCIENCE/PARLONS SCIENCE
Friday, July 19, 2024
My deepest condolences to your family. Jeremy will be greatly missed, not only because he was an outstanding ambassador for science, but also because he was an incredible human being and friend. I will treasure the times
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Louise Hollingsworth posted a condolence
Friday, July 19, 2024
Jeremy and Shelley came to dinner at my house with my children when they were still small so it must have been a long time ago.
I can remember the lively discussion led by Jeremy having the kids so enthralled with what was going on. His passion for learning was easily transferable. At least to my children.
My second best thought is how well loved Jeremy is. So many people and bugs around the entire globe will be impacted by this loss.
He was a good man and I was blessed to know him.
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