Cyrus Shantz "Cy" MacLatchy passed away on November 18, 2024. He is remembered as a dedicated physicist, influential member of the Acadia administration, and proud father of three daughters.

Cy was a physics professor at Acadia University, and also served as the Dean of Science in the 1990s and Vice-President Academic.

Under Cyrus’s leadership, Acadia’s physics department was the first in Canada to implement a Studio Physics program. Numerous other Departments across Canada implemented similar programs, largely inspired by Acadia’s lead. He also played a role in the implementation of the Acadia Advantage program.

“Cy was the perfect role model to guide me through the turmoil of budgeting, allocating teaching assignments, and running meetings,” says Dr. Rob Raeside (Professor Emeritus, Earth and Environmental Sciences) who began in the role of head of the Department of Geology when Cy was Dean of Pure and Applied Sciences.

“He was patient with the ‘learners’ around the table. His jaunty approach to weekly meetings of department heads made attendance a pleasure, even when difficult decisions had to be made. He was an eager proponent of new ways of learning, not just for his students but also for his faculty members. Even after retirement, he maintained an ongoing interest in the business of teaching science and was a willing ear for discussion of matters of both science and administration.”

Cyrus’s family is establishing a bursary in his name for local students entering a science degree program. The bursary is now available to be donated to. Donations in Cy’s memory may also be made to the Wolfville Area Food Bank or Valley Regional Hospital ICU.

A celebration of his life will take place in the summer for friends and family.

We invite you to read Cyrus’s full obituary and to share your stories and condolences with the family publicly through the White Family Funeral Home obituary.