Obituary of Byron Lane

BYRON G. LANE

PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Byron George Lane born May 16, 1933 to Ruth Lane (née Burbidge) and George Lane in Toronto, died on Monday, November 27, 2017.  Deeply beloved husband of Inge for 56-years.  Byron is missed and remembered by his sister Carole Eddy, her family, relatives, friends and colleagues.

Byron graduated from UTS in 1956, received a doctorate in Biochemistry at University of Toronto, specializing in the study of nucleates.  1959 his postdoctoral study lead him to San Francisco Medical Center, 1960 was his year in the laboratory of the Nobel Laureate Fritz Lipmann.  1961 he joined the Biochemistry Department at University of Alberta and in 1968 accepted a Full Professorship in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Toronto and stayed until his retirement in 1996 as an emeritus.  Recipient of an Ayerst Award of the Canadian Biochemistry Society in 1971.  His principal contribution to applied science was the discovery that oxalate is not an inert end product of carbon metabolism, rather it is central to growth and defense against microbial predators in cereals and plants.  Recent efforts to save the American Chestnut Tree from fungal infection by transplanting the gene from wheat germ, has had success.

Byron was a dedicated scientist of uncommon conscience.  Byron chose a quote from William James for an article to express his approach to life and science. “The world of thought and the world of things are alike to be treated in the spirit of sportsman like fair play; the new, the untried, the doubtful are to have their chance whenever and however they arise.”

This approach to science and life was idiosyncratic.  To quote him “biochemists are blessed with unequal opportunity to lead rewarding and enriching private existence.”

He loved sports, music and the arts.  He was the best.  Want to thank all those who helped care for Byron during his illness.

The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Friday, December 8th at 1:00 p.m.  Reception to follow the service in the Leaside Room.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.