J.Zachary “Zack” Jacobson of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away peacefully at the May Court Hospice on November 8th, 2025, after a long, determined battle with scleroderma, which he fought to the end.
Born on February 7, 1943, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Rachel and Hyman Jacobson. Zack grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, across from Sullivan’s Pond. Throughout his life, Zack had a tenacious commitment to learning and exploring new ideas. After earning his undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Dalhousie University, he went on to earn his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Waterloo in 1972. During his career, Zack was a pioneer in the early exploration of neural networks, which was fundamental to the development of Artificial Intelligence. He was an active member of the NATO Defence Research Group and was the North East Director of Sigma Xi. In retirement, he focused much of his work on climate change and climate science. Outside of his career, Zack greatly enjoyed music, art, photography and acting.
Zack will be profoundly missed by his wife of 56 years, Janet, his daughter Katie, son-in-law Danny, 2 grandchildren, Caleb and Isaiah, and his brother Elliott Jacobson and family. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, which was often described as being ahead of its time; his love for his family, and the finer things in life. His life will continue to be an inspiration for those who knew and loved him.
The Celebration of Life will take place at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Services in Ottawa, on Monday, November 17th, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm., 280 Beechwood Avenue.
The ceremony will start at 1:15 pm. At this time, a live stream will be available for those who would like to join virtually.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, Scleroderma Canada or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Stanley Jacobson
Louise VIGNAULT
Zack was a colleague at BMC and CAC, a kind and brillant man. I have nothing but nice memories. We lost a great man
Joanne Bushell
Jan - Remembering all the fun evenings we had with you and Zach. Treasure your memories.
Faith Gabrielle Guss
May his memory be a blessing.
Kathy Whittaker & Neal Whittingstall
We will miss Zach here at 1425 Vanier very much. He was such a bright, intelligent man, with a super dry sense of humour.
Frank &Jean Greenough
We first met Zack and Jan when they lived down the street from our dear friends Sean and Penny O'Connor-Parsons in Edmonton. We all shared an interest in the Arts and totally enjoyed Zack's sense of humor and sharp wit. Later when Jan and Zack moved to Ottawa we kept in touch via e mails, and their wonderful Christmas letters which we always looked forward to. I shared many e mails with Zack regarding Environmental issues. Our love and thoughts go out to Jan and family. Zack was such a bright light in the firmament, he will be missed
Joanne Treurniet
I will remember Zack with great affection for the way he always made me feel comfortable and welcome. He made our NATO meetings fun. He was a good friend and a lovely person. On behalf of Bill and Jeanne and Dan, we send our love.
Zack and I spent a lot of time together as youngsters . Enjoyed many good times together. Summers at Camp Kadimah, university years and then sort lost touch. I shared his first car accident with him. He was good fun, very smart and always up for anything.