DR. ARTHUR LAST
Arthur Last passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 6th, 2022 at the age of 76.
Art was born on September 21st, 1945 to Jack and Violet Last in Holbrook, Suffolk, England. He was an only child which likely contributed to his independent spirit and unique approach to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Essex in England, Art earned a PHD in Organic Chemistry. With Art’s curiosity to explore the world, his work as a University Professor took him to many locations around the world: the University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and Athabasca University in Alberta. The majority of Art’s career took place at the Abbotsford campus of the University of the Fraser Valley where he specialized in the foundations of chemistry and served as department head for many years. He co-authored two textbooks, countless published works, and continued to assist his academic peers in the editing of their publications well into his retirement.
In his youth, Art was an accomplished footballer, cricketer, and was the captain of his cricket team at the University of Essex. He remained very active throughout his life and enjoyed endurance running, curling, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and pickleball. A competitive table tennis player, he won several local tournaments and participated in multiple annual BC Seniors Games held around the province. A lover of the outdoors, Art was also an avid hiker and even accomplished a two-week coast-to-coast trek across his home country of England in 2009.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, he also found he was a talented performer and was active with the Fraser Valley Stage Production Society. Art performed in local productions of Hello Dolly!, Starlight, The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, along with many other shows both large and small.
Art was proceeded in death by his loving wife Sheelagh in 2004. He is survived by sons Dan (Megan) of Cleveland, Ohio; Mike (Sarah) of Squamish, BC; and Pete (Janelle) of Vancouver, BC. He was a well-respected member of the Abbotsford community and will be deeply missed by many.
Friends and family are invited to a service at the Trinity Memorial United Church on 33737 George Ferguson Way in Abbotsford at 2 PM on Saturday, March 12th, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
