T. Kurt Kyser, a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen’s University, died Tuesday, Aug. 29 while teaching in Bermuda.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and pioneering geochemist, Dr. Kyser arrived at Queen’s in 1995 and would soon create and direct one of the leading geochemistry laboratories in North America, the Queen’s Facility for Isotope Research. Dr. Kyser was a world-renowned researcher whose creativity and gift for solving scientific problems produced more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, books, book chapters, and technical reports. 

Over his career Dr. Kyser received numerous awards and was a Queen’s Research Chair, a Queen’s National Scholar, a Killam Research Fellow, a Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America, and recipient of the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship. He also was the past president of the Mineralogical Association of Canada and was active in numerous organizations and societies.

Dr. Kyser completed his bachelor’s at the University of California, San Diego, and earned his master’s and PhD from the University of California, Berkley. Throughout his career he collaborated with colleagues worldwide and believed strongly that field geology is fundamental to geochemical research. 

Dr. Kyser is survived by his wife and partner in science and life, April Vuletich.

Information regarding a funeral or memorial service will be announced when available.

Anyone in need of support is encouraged to contact Student Wellness Services at 613-533-6000 ext. 78264 and/or University Chaplain Kate Johnson at 613-533-2186. Students who require support can also contact Good2Talk, a confidential and anonymous post-secondary student helpline that offers services in both French and English. Visit the Good2Talk website  or call 1-866-925-5454.

Staff and faculty can contact the Queen’s Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP) at 1-800-663-1142 or online at homewoodhumansolutions.com.

Eric Hiatt (University of Wisconsin –Oshkosh) and Peir Pufahl (Acadia University) contributed to this article. Both completed post-doctoral fellowships at Queen’s.