In memory of Dr. Charles Scriver
On April 7th, Charles Robert Scriver, aged 92, succumbed to a stroke. His twelve-year dance with Parkinson's left him diminished but still full of love and gratitude for life and those around him. His life was rich to the end, and he was surrounded by family at his passing.
Charles is survived by his loving wife and lifelong partner "Zipper" (née Esther Peirce) and his four children: Do-Ellen (Kim Hansen), Peter (Nicola Poplawski), Julie, and Paul (Nathalie Senécal). His grandchildren are Sarah (Anthony Gador and great-grandson Max), Julia (Robert Sheidow), and Emily Hansen (Oker Chen); Sam Scriver; Lucy (Patrick Conan) and Claire May (Derek Baird); and Naïm Scriver. The loss of infant grandson Matthew Poplawski-Scriver in 2005 was keenly felt.
Charles had an illustrious career in human genetics at McGill and the Montreal Children's Hospital. For the many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity, he will be remembered as an extraordinary clinician and scientist whose life was dedicated to making his very extensive research and that of others meaningful for patients. He was the epitome of the physician scientist. Charles, who studied at the Dent Lab in London in the early 1960's, brought the techniques he learned to the US and Canada, establishing in North America the study of inborn errors of metabolism. His contributions have had a seminal influence on biochemical genetics.
Music, literature, science, teaching, and above all, friends and family were the guiding lights in Charles's life. He expressed his love for Zipper at every opportunity.
We are grateful to his caregivers for their compassion and deeply appreciate the team at the Montreal Neurological Institute and the many friends and professionals who were able to help Zipper make his last years some of the best.
Donations will be designated to The Charles R. Scriver Pediatric Endowment Fund for Genetic Disease.