Christopher John Corkett

Born on November 2, 1941, in Amersham, England, Dr. Corkett was the son of the late Dennis Corkett and Isabel (Finn) Corkett.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Maria Christina and daughter, Bianca MacArthur (Troy) and son, Simon Price (Kate) from a previous marriage (Catherine Gay Harrison). Also surviving are his 5 grandchildren: Connor, Sydney & Brody MacArthur; Lily & Oscar Corkett. Dr. Corkett is survived by his younger sister Janet Jones (Stephen).

Dr. Corkett was a humble man who cherished time spent with his family. We are thankful for the wonderful memories we created with him over the years.

Dr. Corkett achieved many accomplishments in his role as a marine biologist through academics and many scientific publications, achievements he was proud to leave behind as part of his legacy. His formal education began at Ardingly College where he held many fond memories, and continued to Garnett College of London University where he earned a diploma in Education. He taught “O” level Biology where he gave lectures on marine pollution at Portsmouth Technical College. He tutored undergraduates in Bristol University, UK, and was responsible for students’ academic and personal development. In 1974, he obtained his Ph. D in Marine Biology from London University and immigrated to Canada (Nova Scotia) on board the Cunard liner RMS Sylvania. He arrived at Halifax’s Pier 21 to become a Research Associate at Dalhousie University working on marine plankton. It is here where he met his loving wife, Christina, while she was a graduate student in the library science program at Dalhousie University. On arrival in Canada, Dr. Corkett had the option to join the Saint George's Society (Society for those with an English background) but decided to join the Royal Commonwealth Society as he spent several years of his childhood growing up in Colonial Malaya. The Royal Commonwealth Society became a passion and source of heritage pride for Dr. Corkett who held the role as president of the Nova Scotia Branch for 7 years and lead the Nova Scotia Student Commonwealth Conference for 10 years. In 1986 Dr. Corkett obtained a faculty appointment as an Instructor responsible for the marine laboratories in the Department of Biology at Dalhousie University. He changed his research program from the natural science of plankton studies to the social science of fisheries management in 1993. He remained at Dalhousie University until his retirement in 2007.

After retirement Dr. Corkett volunteered his time at the museum of Natural History and pursued a life long calling as an artist, through the medium of painting, taking much inspiration from the famous Group of Seven. Art was always a passion and part of Dr. Corkett’s life. It was one of the reasons why he decided to study the sciences. His desire to be artistically creative evolved in his later years from painting to coloring and mentoring fellow seniors in using coloring as a means of relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity.

Special gratitude goes out to all the staff, care providers, CCAs, nurses, and recreation staff for Fleming Way at Parkstone Enhanced Care, who provided Dr. Corkett with constant care over the last 2 and half years. Your kindness, patience, professionalism, and expertise will not be forgotten. Dr. Corkett received exceptional care from several doctors and specialists since his multiple diagnoses over a decade ago. Further thanks go to the paramedics, nurses and doctors at the emergency department of the QEII Health Sciences Centre who supported Dr. Corkett through the final moments of life.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:00am at J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Halifax. A reception will follow the service. To view a live stream of the service, please go to: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=095bb454-b3a2-4af3-ac0f-ca465b11af81

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or Myeloma Canada.

Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com