Friends came together to celebrate the life of John Worrall

By Sandy McKellar
Tree Frog Forestry News
October 16, 2023
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, Canada West

Dr. John Worrall was loved by many. This was clearly evidenced by the large gathering of family, friends, past students and colleagues who came out on Saturday, October 14 to celebrate his life. Held in the Forest Sciences Centre at UBC, guests were treated to a “Worrall Museum” of research papers (yes, he really did write papers!), pictures, huge cones, t-shirts and more. Many came wearing their “Species Please” buttons from Worrall’s retirement party in 2003. A slideshow played out the life and pranks of the great doctor Worrall, and a number of speakers shared their cherished memories. The first to present was John’s younger brother Richard whose voice, mannerisms and physical appearance gave us all a start – it was as if John was with us in the room! Richard talked about their family life growing up in England and “a little about John’s boyhood in rural Lincolnshire on the Humber Estuary”. Other speakers included colleagues and past students, but it was John Davies who made us laugh and cry with examples of Worrall’s past exams, teaching evaluations, and personal stories of their journey together.

We are pleased to present you with the Memorial Slideshow, a Video of the Speakers (and we apologize for the bloopers), a Gallery of Images from the day and Richard Worrall’s presentation script.

In his brother’s words, “Bless you John, you will always be loved, and very much missed”.

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