VANCOUVER - Canadians lost a great visionary on October 4th, 2000 when Dr. Michael Smith, director of the BC Cancer Agency's Genome Sequence Centre (GSC), died of cancer. The Nobel laureate and University of British Columbia Professor Emeritus was 68. "Michael's scientific contribution was enormous and will impact every aspect of biotechnology and biology for decades," says Dr. Victor Ling, vice-president, BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) Research. "By dedicating his life to scientific discovery, in particular the development of the technology that allows us to change DNA, Michael set the course for tremendous advancements in understanding human disease, including cancer."

Dr. Smith, who came to BCCA in 1998 to help create the GSC, was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his groundbreaking work in reprogramming segments of DNA… the building blocks of life.

"Michael opened the door and now it's our responsibility to walk through it and carry on," adds Dr Simon Sutcliffe, BCCA president and CEO. "Michael created one of the world's finest gene-sequencing programs, and the staff to whom he was a mentor, will carry on his legacy."

Dr. Ling continues, "there is no doubt about the connection between Genomics and cancer and the fact a world-class genome centre is right here in British Columbia is truly remarkable. We will continue to be as tenacious and dedicated as Michael was when it comes to cancer research."

Although regarded as one of the world's pre-eminent gene scientists, Dr. Smith is remembered as a gentle, humble, and generous man. He donated his Nobel Prize winnings to Schizophrenia research and to help promote the advancement of Canadian women in science. And after being given the 1999 Royal Bank Award for "significant contributions to human welfare," Dr. Smith promptly donated the $125,000 companion grant to the BC Cancer Foundation."He was insightful, had a great sense of humour and was a great champion of all cancer research," adds Dr. Ling. "We will miss him."

Among Dr. Smith's many other awards and distinctions are the Companion of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.

At the request of his family, contributions in memory of Dr. Smith may be made to the Michael Smith Memorial Fund at the BC Cancer Foundation, 601 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3