It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Storey.

Ken was a brilliant scientist, an inspiring mentor, and a truly unforgettable human being. Ken’s work in comparative biochemistry spanned more than 50 years and made him a world-respected leader in a diverse array of animal models of metabolic rate depression ranging from mammalian hibernators to the humble yet remarkable freeze-tolerant wood frog. His work changed the landscape of comparative physiology and cryobiology, and through his dedication, curiosity, and brilliance, he built not just a body of ground-breaking science, but also the careers and lives of so many who had the privilege to know him. His legacy lives on in over 100 graduate students, more than 1140 publications, and countless undergraduate students who attended his second-year biochemistry class. An accomplished scientist, Ken was honoured over the course of his career with numerous accolades including elected as a fellow of both the Royal Society of Canada and of the Society of Cryobiology and received numerous prestigious awards. Ken made up one half of the Storey lab dream team, along with his wife, Jan. Together, they tirelessly drove the lab forward—Ken, with his scientific fervor, and Jan, with her endless writing and editing, keen eye for detail, and welcoming personality. The Storeys always found new ideas and animals to study, constantly made connections and fostered national and international collaborations, and shaped students into confident, independent researchers. Ken and Jan acted as a powerhouse to both advance science around the world, and teach people the importance of cryobiology and foundational science research. Their relationship is an incredible testament to scientific collaboration and inspiration.

Ken wasn’t just a scholar of life—he was full of it. Widely described as "quite the character," Ken would spend hours arguing with you about sports or movies, telling you to get back in the lab instead of participating in normal human life, and showing you music videos from the oldest artists known to man. We have never met anyone who cared about his students' success more than Ken—not just in the lab, but outside it as well. The world will miss his infectious curiosity, his sharp wit, his unforgettable stories, his passionate rants, and the moments of deep care and quiet kindness he gave without fanfare. His remarkable personality will never be forgotten. His passing will leave a big hole in the cryobiology research field and the biology department at Carleton. Ken's life was dedicated to science and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and it is our hope that anyone who knew Ken will carry this philosophy forward in honoring his extraordinary legacy.

Ken is survived by his wife, Jan, two daughters, two grandchildren, and two tortoises. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, to his many students and trainees, and to the entire scientific community who benefited from his wisdom, humor, and relentless pursuit of discovery. This is a great loss for all of us. Ken will be deeply, dearly missed.

"If we knew what we were doing, we wouldn't call them experiments."

As we begin to plan a celebration of Ken’s life, efforts are being made to create a mailing list of all past trainees, collaborators, and colleagues. If you would like to be included, please email your name to Aakriti at aakritigupta1010 AT gmail.com. If you have any photos and/or memories of Ken, please feel free to send them to Aline (aifilpula AT gmail.com).