Carl Jordan

BSA, MSA, PhD (Microbiology and Public Health), Canadian Army 1945. Nuffield Fellow 1959-1960. Born in Brampton, Ontario, died at Ottawa in his 91st year, in the early morning, as the sun rose with a brilliant pink horizon. Predeceased by his parents Herbert Roy Jordan and Annetta Stewart Hunter, and his sister Margaret Elizabeth Phillips. As a full professor he served two terms as Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Guelph. He held an international reputation in his area of expertise and continued this work at institutions in England, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Wales, Hawaii and Belgium and at sites in the Canadian sub-Arctic and high Arctic. In addition, he participated in invited lecture tours of several countries including India and China. He also was the author of over 90 scientific publications and was a founding member of the Canadian Association of Microbiologists. His scientific discoveries included the mode of action of the antibiotic vancomycin. His community work included executive positions on the Boards of the Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin Branch of the VON, the Guelph Arts Council, the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County (where he was awarded a life membership) and the Guelph-Wellington Men's Club. He was an ardent collector of clocks, antiquarian books and Asiatic art. A true life-long learner, his wide knowledge was astounding. He was equally comfortable speaking about theoretical physics or Tibetan mysticism, among a myriad of other topics. He wrote a book about his genealogy, a copy of which is housed in the National Library of Canada. Above all, he was humble, downplaying his significant accomplishments, while taking a keen interest in others and their achievements. He is survived by his beloved wife Marian, by his sons Dr. Mark Jordan (Allison) of Morden Manitoba, Dr. Scott Jordan (Jean) of Ottawa and Peter Jordan of Denver, Colorado, all of whom he was immensely proud, and by his much loved grandchildren Cole and Emily (Winnipeg) and Andrew and Julia (Ottawa). We will all miss his goofy laugh and his vivid blue eyes! A private family service will be held. Donations to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation would be appreciated.