It is with great sadness that we learned of Rick Kornelsen’s passing on August 3, 2025, after his recent diagnosis with cancer.
Fondly known as the “rat whisperer” for his knack of working with animals and instantly recognizable for his signature year-round shorts, even in the winter, Rick was a steady and beloved presence at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (and the former Brain Research Centre), where he worked as a lab technician in various neuroscience labs for the last 28 years.
Rick first arrived at UBC on January 1, 1997, joining Dr. Jon Stoessl’s lab after completing his MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Western Ontario (UWO). His early academic journey also included a BSc in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge, where he explored spatial memory, food hoarding behaviour and the intricacies of the cingulate cortex. Though Rick decided not to pursue a PhD, his former supervisor at UWO recognized his potential.
“I first met Rick more than 30 years ago, when he was a graduate Neuroscience student at Western and I was on his supervisory committee,” Dr. Stoessl recalls. “His Master’s supervisor contacted me spontaneously when I moved back to UBC to let me know that Rick would be a good choice if I were in the market for a research technician. Fortunately for me, and ultimately for the Centre, I was.”
That single recommendation would shape the course of Rick’s career at UBC.
“At that time, I was still running an animal lab,” says Dr. Stoessl. “Rick and my PhD student Jackalina were indispensable in setting up my new lab. Rick distinguished himself by his unfailing kindness and supportiveness to others, by always stepping up if someone needed help, and his completely unflappable nature. Problems would inevitably arise and Rick would quietly find a solution, without ever making a fuss.”
Over the years, Rick worked with various UBC labs in the Brain Research Centre and Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre, including those led by Drs. Manu Madhav, Vesna Sossi and Doris Doudet. But his contributions went far beyond scientific expertise.
“Since his arrival at UBC, Rick has been a pillar of the PET animal research program. His dedication to the studies and the animals, his expertise, ingenuity and above all, common sense, made him an essential component in all rodent research in the lab,” says Dr. Doudet. “Rick exceeded every expectation—just tell him what needed to be done, and it got done: on time, cheerfully and well. He was soft-spoken but strong in his convictions, with a knack for smoothing over any issues in the lab.”
Rick’s guidance has left a lasting mark on numerous students and staff.
“I still vividly remember how kind and patient he was as he taught me how to handle the rats, what to feed them and what to give them as snacks,” recalls Jessie Fang Lu Fu. “Who knew rats loved gummy bears?”
His colleagues remember him not just as a skilled technician with a wealth of knowledge and expertise but as the heart of their teams, always there to provide guidance or support.
“Rick was the glue that kept things fun, light and connected,” Jess Grant notes. “He made sure we didn’t just work together—he made us a team.”
“Rick was our lab manager and the bedrock of our lab for the past five years. His calm efficiency, humble nature and self-effacing humour drew people in. My most cherished memories of Rick are of us bonding over video games,” Dr. Madhav reminisces. “Normally a very private person, he was uncharacteristically open after his diagnosis, bringing all of us along on his fight with cancer as he faced chemo. In his last few months, he continued to show up for work, sometimes even wearing his chemo pump. We in the NC4 lab will miss Rick dearly.”
Throughout his career, Rick was known for his generosity and kind-heartedness.
“I remember coming to him at his corner desk in the old Brain Research Centre with so many questions, and he invariably made it all happen: kindly, quietly and efficiently,” says Dr. Sossi. “He was always ready to help and share his knowledge with infinite patience and humour.”
“Rick was probably one of the first people I met at the Brain Research Centre,” recalls Agnes Kwok. “Although we worked in different labs at the time, he was always kind and welcoming.”
Rick’s passing—less than seven months after his diagnosis—has left a deep void.
“He bore his cancer diagnosis with the same calm that defined his life,” says Dr. Stoessl. “He deserved so much better. My colleagues and I are absolutely heartbroken at his loss.”
Rick Kornelsen’s legacy is one of quiet excellence and a deep commitment to the people he worked with. He was a constant, reassuring presence for nearly three decades and an irreplaceable part of the UBC neuroscience community. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
As Rick was a 25 Year Club member, the BC, Musqueam and UBC flags (temporarily relocated to the East Mall Entrance and Plaza at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre) will be lowered on Thursday, August 14, 2025 in his remembrance.
