We regret to announce the death of Dr J. Gordin Kaplan, a member of the Board of Editors and Correspondents of BIOESSAYS. He was a strong supporter of our journal, both as a contributor and in soliciting articles, and it was as a result of his initiative that the August/September 1988 double issue on the Eukaryotic Cell Nucleus was compiled. This arose out of his association with the Fourth International Congress of Cell Biology that took place in Montreal, during August 14-19, 1988, and which was distributed to participants in that Congress and the Genetics Congress taking place in Toronto in the following week. We reproduce below an appreciation of Dr Kaplan that was published in the programme of the Cell Biology Congress.
'J. Gordin Kaplan, the Chairman of the Program Committee for this 4th International Congress of Cell Biology, died on July 6, 1988, after a year-long battle with cancer.
'Gordin had a strong and well-deserved reputation for his research on the role of the plasma membrane and ion transport in lymphocyte proliferation. As recently as May of this year he chaired the 19th International Leucocyte Culture Conference in Banff, Alberta, where I know he was delighted and honoured to see many of his former students and postdoctoral collaborators as symposium speakers and workshop leaders. His more formal honours have included the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada and, most recently, appointment as a University Professor at the University of Alberta where he had just completed a distinguished term as Vice-president for Research.
'In addition to his research activities Gordin was even better known for his activities outside of the classroom and laboratory, as a public educator and activist. From his outspoken opposition to nuclear weapons and the war in Vietnam, to his battles in defence of academic freedom, he displayed courage, integrity, and his deep-seated belief in the social responsibility of scientists. He was a man truly worthy of our respect and admiration.
'Gordin had a flair for living that made him a joy to work with and to socialize with. His wit, warmth, and vitality made him a coveted dinner speaker and he turned many otherwise dull affairs into enjoyable celebrations. He will be missed and remembered fondly by his many colleagues and friends.' Send order to:-