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.
Livre de visiteurs
Diane and Peter Schmolka
Sharon and Don Rudnitski
Goodbye to an old friend, a fellow member of our art group, a good neighbor, and a convivial host of our gourmet group, who provided us with many evenings of delicious food and lively company. We will miss you.
Mary Anne Buchowski and James Gregory
Dear Jan; James and I offer you our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Zack. I hope that you wil find peace and strength in the days to come and that you will always remember with joy your life with Zack. With loving thoughts and blessings, Mary Anne
Nina Luhrsen-Hole and David Hole
RIP our fellow Potluck Dinner Group friend. You made a brave fight against a terrible disease and never missed any occasions if you could help it. We are so sorry for your loss Jan and family. Sincerely, Nina and David
Wendy and Stu Nicholson
We were very sorry to hear about Zack’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Jan
Sincerely ,
Wendy and Stu Nicholson
Michael and Dana Star
Zach was a relative "by choice." We saw each other on rare occaisions when we were younger but, as an adult, I came to appreciate both his intelligence and dry wit. Dana and I send our condolences to Jan, Elliott and the rest of the family.
May his memory be a blessing.
Lynda Turner
I met Zack and Jan when they joined the Artists and Artisans Study Group which was under the Volunteers Circle of the National Art Gallery at the time. Zack, introduced guest artists to our group and also gave lectures at the National Gallery on Canadian Artist like Maud Lewis (sorry Zack, I never did pick you up a Maud Lewis cat magnet). My condolences to Jan and family.
Carl Helrich
I recall spending a Zoom Friday evening with Zack over a glass of wine. I wish we could have actually shaken hands after that evening.
Zack was one of the few. May the world never forget the spirit Zack shared with us.
Brian Butler
I first met Zack in 1967 at graduate school. We were both interested in the peculiarities of visual perception and statistics - oh yes, many hours spent debating statistical tests and, later, the details of neurological computing, egged on by Phil Bryden a devote Hebbian. Zack was doing a post-doc with Peter Dodwell when we arrived in Kingston. Carol, my late wife, and I enjoyed many evenings with Zack and Jan. We reunited recently at the memorial service for a mutual friend and picked up the conversation from where we left off years ago. Zack was a great guy and a real friend. Sincerest condolences to Jan and family. May his memory be a true blessing.
Jean Hurst
Dear Jan and family, as you know, work brought us together, but shared values and interests made us friends. I still recall seeing him on stage and a very memorable performance of Les Ballet Trocadéro.
Sincere condolences to all of you
My husband and I enjoyed Zach's company often. He had a great sense of humour , as well as a great memory. I will always remember his smile and his quiet laugh! Sincerely, Diane Stevenson Schmolka.