Richard Arvid Singer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Arvid Singer, “Rick” to friends and family, on July 13, 2026, at the age of 81. The son of Richard (“Dick”) and Lenore (Zettergren) Singer, Rick was born on August 23, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois, where he grew up with his younger brother, Don, and attended Evanston Township High School, actively participating in academics, sports, and student council. He then attended Princeton University, during which time he was a member of the Quadrangle Club, rowed for the JV crew, married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou (Danielson), and welcomed Kristin and Charlie into the world. And he discovered his unwavering love of science.

After graduating with an A.B. in Biology, he received his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harvard University and then made the life-changing decision to come to Canada for a postdoctoral position at Dalhousie University under Dr. Ford Doolittle. Subsequently, Rick was offered a position as a lecturer and later joined the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a professor, where he taught Biochemistry and conducted cancer research from 1977 to 2019. With colleague and best friend, Dr. Gerry Johnston, Rick created a uniquely collaborative and innovative research program that trained and mentored scores of students and postdoctoral fellows. The success of their lab, the supportive environment it fostered, and Rick’s integrity, scientific insight, and intellectual rigor earned Rick the respect and admiration of his peers at Dal and abroad. He was that rare person who loved what he did, and it showed.

If Rick wasn’t at the lab, he was likely running (every morning at 6:00), or on the ice for weekly gentlemen’s hockey, or playing tennis at the South End Tennis Club. He was heavily involved in the Nova Scotia tennis scene in the 1970s and ‘80s as a competitive player, tournament organizer/referee, and “Close the Gap” mentor to junior players. His favorite tennis moments were playing Father & Son doubles matches with Charlie in the N.S. Open during this period. Parkinson’s eventually made active participation in sports too difficult in recent years, but Rick nevertheless continued to enjoy watching tennis, NCAA basketball and his Princeton Tigers, and of course, baseball and his first love, the Chicago Cubs. Their 2016 World Series win was a highlight of his life!

Rick’s passion for science—and the Cubs—was surpassed only by his dedication to, and deep love for, his family. He was so proud of his kids and reveled in being “Grandad” to Torsten, Annika, and Linnea. They gave him immense joy. His greatest love was his second wife, Christine Barnes. Rick met Chris (now-retired Microbiology professor) at a tennis tournament. They married in 1989 and never looked back. His devotion to her and hers to him enriched their lives and sustained them through challenging health times. Chris was Rick’s lifeline. They always thought they would have more time together.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Lenore, and his brother, Don. He is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Kristin (Doug Sinclair) and Charlie; grandchildren, Torsten, Annika, and Linnea; his sisters-in-law, Lesley Barnes and Suzette Cavanaugh; and first wife, Mary Lou Keith. We will all miss him deeply: he was truly a kind, good man in every sense.

We would like to express our great appreciation for the attentive care Rick received from the nurses, doctors, and staff of 9B and 5B at the Victoria General Hospital. Special thanks to Doug for making the house fully accessible for Rick, and Kristin for her daily companionship with her dad.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Parkinson Canada in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will take place in mid-August. To view details as they become available, the online obituary, and to offer condolences, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com