Schlaf, Marcel
Schlaf, Marcel
August 17, 1965 – February 1, 2026My beloved husband Marcel died suddenly of a heart attack at our residence on February 1, 2026.
Marcel was born in Heilbronn Germany in 1965, a twin to Brother Sebastian. In 1992 he immigrated to Canada on a scholarship to do a PhD at the University of Toronto. Upon receiving his PhD Marcel followed with post-doctoral fellow positions at Carelton University in Ottawa, as well as the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Santa Fe NM, and Long Island USA. During this time he became a proud Canadian, despite having to relinquish his German Citizenship. In 1999 Marcel joined the department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph, thus beginning his career in academia with teaching, research and admistrative duties, in time becoming full professor, Graduate Coordinator and Associate Chair.
Marcel’s research was dedicated to circumventing dependence on petroleum products used in the manufacturing of plastics, to a more environmentally, eco-friendly conversion of plant based, green chemistry sources. His work in the lab with graduate students provided him with the impetus to move the canon forward in these areas, with many papers and citations, international conferences and collaborations. He was very proud of his students, mentoring many who have gone on to fulfilling careers of their own.
Marcel was a true academician. His depth and breadth of knowledge was immense! He was a voracious reader of history, philosophy, economics, with scientific inquiry into many areas, often in German, as well as a keen interest in certain Science Fiction authors. He was a long standing member of the Guelph Community Boating Club, and served on the board as Commodore, treasurer and managed security. He loved the Tuesday night races in his Snipe “Wind Thief “, sitting around the campfire afterwards, watching the sun set, or just going out on his own to sail around Guelph Lake, out to the dam and back on a summer’s afternoon. True to his German heritage, he loved the water. He was a powerful swimmer and scuba diver; adept and comfortable, agile and fluid both in free diving and snorkelling. As a couple Marcel and I enjoyed many outdoor activities and traveling experiences became a big part of our lives.
Marcel leaves an enormous void in the hearts of many, both our friends and his colleagues who have held him in very high esteem and are grieving his loss both professionally and as a dear friend and colleague. He was many things to many people, a gentleman, a scholar, a mentor, a friend. I cherished him as my husband and companion. I loved him deeply as the keeper of my heart, feeder of my soul, and source of intellectual enlightenment. I will forever miss his presence in my life.
Remember Marcel with a raised glass amongst friends, reminiscing about the good times and laughs we all shared with him, his unique sensibilities and sense of humour.
As per Marcel’s wishes Cremation has taken place with no funeral service. Please donate to a charity of your choice in Marcel’s memory. A Celebration of Life will take place at the University April 11 from 1 to 4 in the afternoon at the Arboretum Centre on the University of Guelph Campus.
