Albert Joseph Patrick Liston

Bert Liston peacefully passed away June 8, 2020, at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in his 86th year. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final hours. Bert was married to Gail Braceland for almost 60 years.

Loving father of Stephen (Virginia), Peter (Roxane), Mark, Janet (Steffan), and predeceased by his son Kevin.

Proud Grandfather of Sean (Nathan), Katherine (Alex), Timothy (Danielle), James, and Rachel, and great grandson Matthew.

Bert was born in Toronto, but lived most of his life in Ottawa. Bert studied chemistry and received his B.Sc. from Carleton University in 1955, his M.Sc. from the University of Ottawa in 1957 and his Ph.D. from the University of Montreal in 1963. He undertook post-doctoral training at the University of Michigan in pharmacology in 1968.

He joined Health Canada's Health Protection Branch as a research scientist where he held a number of positions in that organization, including Chief of the Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Director General of the Environmental Health Directorate, Director General of the Drugs Directorate and eventually Assistant Deputy Minister of the Health Protection Branch from 1983 to 1992.

After 29 years of faithful service, he retired from the public service an launched his own consulting practice, specializing in regulatory and public health policy. He was a long-time community volunteer in many organizations.

Bert loved cottaging and the family activities it provided: snowmobiling, motorcycling, fly fishing, and generally enjoying the great outdoors. Dad loved a great cup of coffee, dinners with the family and a fire in the fireplace. He hosted traditional family get-togethers at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. He was a source of inspiration, advice and mentorship to his extended family, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed, but lives on in treasured memories.

A memorial mass for Bert will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, particularly nurse Marina and Dr. Reed for their compassionate care. Memorial donations to the Shepherds of Good Hope or the Red Cross would be welcomed.