Ariel Fenster

Holocaust Survivor.

Ariel Fenster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor, and passionate ambassador for chemistry, died peacefully in Montreal on August 20, 2026, at the age of 83 after a long and very courageous battle with several diseases.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann-Marie; his sons, Erik (Thao) and Michaël (Amy); and his grandchildren, Miles and Jakob.

A Holocaust survivor, Ariel was born to Hersh and Léa Fenster and spent his childhood in Paris before making Montreal his home. He built a distinguished career as a professor of chemistry at several CEGEPs and at McGill University. His extraordinary ability to make science accessible, engaging, and fun through lectures and media appearances, sparked enthusiasm for chemistry with generations of students and the wider community.

Ariel’s interests extended far beyond science. A variety of sporting activities, world travels and an appreciation of food, cheese and wine satisfied a thirst for adventure and joy of life. Above all, Ariel loved being surrounded by people. He loved stories, conversation, banter, and laughter, and had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. He will be remembered for his great curiosity, generosity, optimism, and extraordinary enthusiasm for life, as well as for his unmistakable yellow T-shirt.

Chapel service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Monday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Mount Royal Cemetery, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt. Donations in Ariel’s memory may be made to the Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada, click here or click here or donations can be made to the McGill Office for Science and Society, click here.