Dr. Antonio Weingartshofer. Age 91, of Antigonish, passed
away peacefully January 8 at the Halifax Infirmary with family by his
side. Born in Mexico City, he traveled to Quebec as a young student
and completed a Doctorate in Science at Laval University. He met his
wife, Fernande while teaching Spanish during his studies. He began his
career as an experimental physicist at St. Francis Xavier University
where he helped establish the Laser-Electron Interaction
Laboratory and was a pioneer in the field. He
traveled extensively throughout his career collaborating with other
scientists and authored numerous publications. He was recognized as
Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Mexico City
1995-1997.
In his retirement he devoted himself to bringing physics to
high school students through the Community Science Centre in
Antigonish. He had the ability to explain the beauty of
science in the simplest of terms. His volunteer efforts earned him the
prestigious StFX University Outreach Award in 2005 and
a Discovery Centre Science Champion
award.
He was predeceased by his wife, Fernande in
1971. He is survived by his children, Ludwig
(Tracey), Calgary, Alta; Yvette (Glenn), Truro; Marie, Calgary; Andre
(Joan), Halifax; Gisele, Halifax and grandchildren Michelle, Karen
(Nathan), Victoria, Tony and Paul, and great grandchildren Danielle
and Elise.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12 from 2-4 and
7-9 p.m. at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Funeral service
Friday, January 13 at St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian
Cancer Society or Parkinson Canada. Online condolences:
www.clcurry.com