Hubert Reeves (1932-2023). (Photo: Archive)
Internationally known astrophysicist and science popularizer Hubert Reeves died on October 13 at the age of 91, his son Benoit Reeves announced on his Facebook page.
Mr. Reeves was born in Léry in 1932. Years later, the city also made him an honorary citizen. He made a name for himself with his research in astrophysics starting in the 1960s. His knowledge led him to teach at and collaborate with numerous universities, whether here with Montreal and McGill or abroad in the United States or Europe. He was even a scientific advisor to NASA in New York.
As a popular science popularizer, Mr. Reeves has written several works and film projects.
His career is marked by several awards and prizes, which he received on both sides of the Atlantic. The International Astronomical Union even named an asteroid in his honor in 1999.
Connected to the Îles-de-la-Paix
Hubert Reeves had supported the efforts of the Société d’ménagement du Parc des Îles-de-la-Paix aimed at saving his favorite Beauharnois islands. Hubert Reeves was connected to this place that shattered his childhood. A film about his life was made at this location in Lac Saint-Louis in 2002 by Iolande Cadrin-Rossignol. In his book “I Will Not Have Time,” he recounts his youth in what he called “his field of exploration.”
Mr. Reeves also supported the conservation efforts of the Châteauguay-Léry Green Corridor.