Unfortunately, Dr. Zachary Jonas Hall passed away on April 23, 2024, but his nearest and dearest would instead like him to be remembered for how he lived. He lived more than many; this part isn’t sad or tragic. He was such a kind soul with a smile that lit up any room. Zach was a loving son, brother, colleague and an amazing friend. He was a brilliant scientist, skilled gamer and creative writer. He was one stylish dude with a great sense of humour. During his career as a professor, he made such a mark with his unwavering sense of curiosity, inspiring so many students and young scientists. Zach lived by his own rules and although he didn’t get to live as many years as we and he would’ve liked, the contents of those years are inspirational
Rob Hall says
I’m so sorry to hear this. The loss of a child no matter how old is devastating. Our thoughts are with you all.
Michelle Gardner says
Sending you my deepest condolences during this difficult time, may you find comfort in the loving memories of your loved one
Sarah Gusso says
Thinking of you all as you navigate through your loss. Zach will be remembered fondly by our family. We are here for whatever you need.
Henry, Sarah, Peter, Georgia, Jake, Nicholle, Ben, Vanessa and Hadley.❤️
Don Hoggarth says
So Sorry for Your Loss!
May God get you through the Pain
But know he is in the hands of Jesus
Where he shall Live forever more .
You are in Our Prayers!
Kathleen Baird says
My sympathy
K S. says
I cannot imagine a more difficult loss. One day at a time and my prayers and hope for all of the family and that it is who you have always been as a family that will remain strong and he remains in the conversation always.
Darlene Tremble says
I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Darlene Tremble
Lonnie and Marilyn Whitfield says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Zach’s family as they navigate through this difficult time. Fly high Zack until we meet again.
Greg Goss says
Very sad to lose Zach, he was a wonderful colleague, I was only starting to get to know him
Michelle Millar says
The loss of a young life is truly heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all of you as you grieve the loss of Zach.
Michelle, Brian, Hannah & Chloe
Molly Hall says
Big hugs to you all. Such sad news to hear and a big loss to the Hall family.
Lots of love from Rob, Molly, Claire, and Thomas.
Donna Achtymichuk says
What a tragic loss! Our son only knew him so briefly but was so inspired by him!
David Shuker says
Sue and I are devastated to hear this news. Zach was a wonderful, kind, original person, and a fabulous scientist. We were so lucky to have had him in our academic community in St Andrews. He will be much missed.
Geoff Alcorn and Carolyn Tucker says
So sorry for your lost. My heart goes out to family and friends who have lost a dear one.
My deepest condolences.
Robert Alton says
Deepest condolences To you and your family Jim.
Victor and Mary Hoggarth says
Our sincere condolences to both you and your family.
Such a sad and tragic loss.
May God help you through this hard time and always.
Montana Bobinski says
I didn’t know Zach well, as a graduate student at the UofA, but I knew those graduate students who studied under his guidance, and if any part of their excellence was due to Zach, then he has an amazing character and a great legacy to leave behind.
The UofA has lost one of its best.
Maggie MacDonald says
Dr. Hall was a beautiful part of our department at the University, it was a pleasure working with a professor like him, he was a light and so unique. I really appreciated his approach to academia, I’ll never forget him!
Dave Hall says
This guy told me the trampoline was totally safe. What could possibly go wrong!?
Margaret Townsend says
My deepest sympathies, so very sad for all your family
Andrew Cavasin says
Dorothy and I offer our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of Zach’s passing. May you find solace in his accomplishments.
Shane Dewling says
Zach will most assuredly live on thru the impact he has had on his family, friends, co-workers & students. In particular, I have seen first hand the impact he’s had on his family. And it is heart warming to see this positivity in light of the tragedy of losing him at such a young age.
Brit Carr says
Zach was so loved, and he inspired so many with his kindness. He will be greatly missed.
Gayle Piat says
My heartfelt condolences to Zach’s family. I lived on the same floor as Zach for several years. We got to know each other because Zeke actually liked my dog Lucy, much to Zach’s surprise. This gave us a chance to chat and get to know each other. I feel honored that our dogs gave us the opportunity to chat – because maybe we wouldn’t have otherwise. I got to know such a brilliant guy, such a kind, funny and genuine guy. I will miss him and remember him. I already miss our chats and feel the void of getting to know him more. (I do know that dill was his favorite flavour and he found a dill seasoning that he said he put on everything!)
Gayle and Lucy
Kate Morgan says
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you at this time.
Zach made a big impact on my life in St Andrews. He blew us away with his productivity and passion for science, as well as bringing huge amounts of fun. With his radio show, wrestling watch parties, pool playing and nights in the brewpub it was a better place with him around.
Zach was a great friend who will be sorely missed.
William Hall says
My deepest condolences. So sad to hear the news of Zach’s passing. My thoughts are with you. Lots of love from Chloe, Evan and I.
Nora Carlson says
Zach was an amazing person so full of light, good humor, and fun. He made science look effortless and constantly encouraged others. He was a wonderful scientist and even better colleague and friend. He is greatly missed.
Pam Coulthard says
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Zach’s family. We remember this special young man growing up in our community. In the midst of this loss, we will focus on celebrating his amazing life, his gifts and accomplishments. Pam and Chris Coulthard and Family
Margaret Cook says
Sincere condolences to the Hall family, such a tragic loss, but such wonderful memories he created with you. Hugs.
Maria Tello Ramos says
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Zach as a brilliant and passionate person. He was always focused, driven, talented, and yet funny and sometimes silly. He will be greatly missed as an academic and as a friend.
Chris Sturdy says
Zach was such a genuine individual. He was an incredible scientist who was curious and knowledgeable about just about any subject under the sun. I missed getting to have him as a graduate student in my lab when he went and worked with Sue Healy (Which was excellent for both Sue and Zach!). I felt like I won the lottery when Zach was hired in the Department of Biological Sciences and that I got him as a faculty colleague. I will miss his enthusiasm, optimism, and our conversations.
Sally Street says
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Zach’s passing – he was an inspiring scientist, generous collaborator and all round great guy. I and many others in the St Andrews community are very lucky to have known him.
Anastasiya Pasichnyk says
Hello,
I’m one of his students from this semester at ZOOL 372. He was such an enthusiastic professor. Going to his lectures we’d learn about some sort of invertebrate (not my thing) and he’d find a way to make it interesting and engaging. He was the most relaxed prof, in a good way. He’d make his students feel so comfortable. I truly wished I could take another class with him. My best wishes to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Kathy & Brian Knechtel & family says
To Silvija, Jim and Hannah…heartfelt condolences from our family at this most difficult time. Reading these messages-such a testament to Zach’s character, ambition, wit and brilliance! He was a role model like no other. He will be missed and remembered fondly by many. To his colleagues, students, friends and family-hold each other close and remember this exceptional young man💞
Shelly and Steve Errington says
Our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry to hear. Such a wonderful young man to be taken so early in his life.
Nicki and Bill Glassier and family says
Dear Silvija, Jim and Hannah.
We would like to send our deepest sympathy and hugs to each of you.
Going back to Wingham school days , there was lots of fun had by our boys .
Andrew remembers so many good times at the Hall’s home and farm with Zach.
The years sure have flown by and as I read about Zach’s life after Wingham it sounds like his brilliance and fun loving character excelled. You must be so so proud of Zach in his accomplishments and his life journey.
Thinking of you !!!
Heather and John Frieburger says
So sorry, may peace and love surround you!
Jen Hocking says
I met Zach when he first started as an assistant professor at U of A. He struck me as a genuinely kind individual and curious scientist and I was so excited to have him as a colleague and a fellow zebrafish researcher. Hard to lose him so early. My deepest condolences to Zach’s family and friends.
Scott MacDougall-Shackleton says
Zach was one of the most brilliant students I ever taught. I remember first meeting him in my hormones and behaviour class here at Western and how well he did. I’d suggest that he might be interested in a paper and then he’d show up in my office the next day having read it and offering amazingly insightful comments. I think he got 100 in that course -a grade I have not given out since.
I was thrilled when he chose to do an MSc with me and have very fond memories of working together. I still have a music play list heavily featuring the pixies that we listened to on repeat while spending long hours in the lab together. We had many long conversations about science and life that I still recall clearly. I was so thrilled when he decided to continue in academia and pursue a PhD.
Though we sort of lost touch in recent years I have nothing but fond memories of working with Zach. He was such a postive, curious, and enhusiastic soul.
My sincerest condolences to Zach’s family.