The impact of the groundbreaking work of Lloydminster-born biophysicist Dr. James Till is still being felt. Work to find a cure for Diabetes using stem cells is just one example.
One of his non-medical experiments was to test whether sweeping in curling made the rocks go further on the ice. The result revealed that sweeping the ice using a corn broom could make the stones go almost an extra two metres.
That experiment was led with the same rigour that he used when his combined research proved the existence of stem cells in the late 60s.
Advances in bone marrow transplants and treatments for blood and immune disorders have become possible due to the pioneering work of Till and his research partner, Dr. Ernest McCulloch, who are credited as the fathers of stem cell medicine.
In 2005, the duo won the Lasker Award, the North American Nobel Prize equivalent.
James Till passed away in Toronto at the age of 93 on May 18. His elder brother, William “Bill” Till, who many in Lloydminster will remember, passed away in 2021.
James Edgar Till was born Aug. 25, 1931, in Lloydminster, Alberta, and grew up on the family farm north of the Foremost, Lloydminster office.
Till did his early schooling in Lloydminster public and high schools.
MyLloydminsterNow wrote a tribute in January, which you may read online.
In his memory, his family has asked that donations be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
