Obituaries

Living close to Monty's home, in the Richmond West End area, I had the privilege to give him, in his last years at our University, a daily ride to VCU. It was so much fun chatting with him about science, making jokes, or commenting on whatever interesting scene we would see during our commute. With deep sadness I heard about his passing, more so being abroad at the time. Martha, my deepest sympathy for your (ours) loss.

Posted by Luiz Shozo Ozaki on February 1, 2024

What a true privilege it was to have known Monty the last decade! He would stop by my office in the Biology Department just to kick around ideas. The man was a true philosopher - interested in everything, full of joy, and so very bright. He often spoke fondly of his wife and children, to whom he was clearly committed. I spent about 2 years working on a fairly wacky, out-of-the-box idea with Monty that we eventually published. It drew analogies between suburban sprawl and cancer metastasis. I would never have attempted something like that without Monty. Wow, what a wonderful mentor, friend, and scientist! He is missed.

Posted by John Ryan on January 29, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about Monty’s passing. He was such a bright spot in my day when he would visit the Life Science office for many years! I am the proud owner of at least one of his paintings and his humor was most enjoyable!! He always told me how much he loved my hair!! Monty, you will be missed!!! Pam

Posted by Pam Irby on January 27, 2024

So sad to hear about Monty's passing. I first met Monty when I accepted a teaching position in the Biology Department. He would always stop by to say hello. I always enjoyed our conversations. He was so friendly and always happy as well as a man of many talents. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Anonymous on January 18, 2024

I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Monty Kier. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time, and I offer my sincere condolences. As his graduate student from 1989 to 1993, I had the privilege of experiencing his brilliance, warmth, and boundless ideas firsthand. Even after the formal conclusion of my graduate studies, our collaboration continued from 2002 to 2018, and it was an honor to work alongside him on various topics from medicinal chemistry, to complexity and sustainability. Monty was a cheerful, warm, and a visionary individual, who always left his office door open for students and colleagues alike. His diverse interests were reflected in the many passionate discussions during our downtown lunchtime walks. I remember him as a man of many talents and a true people's person. In 1992, during the latter part of my graduate studies, I had the privilege of introducing Monty to the emerging field of complexity. Swiftly, he applied cellular automata to study the structure in water, showcasing his unyielding curiosity and adaptability. This, to me, epitomizes the Monty Kier I fondly remember. His character was marked by clarity of thought, the ability to simplify complex ideas. Monty was a compassionate and simple man of science, always beaming with joy as he explored, invented, and sought to understand the intricacies of nature. Monty's legacy extends beyond the academic realm. One of his dreams was to establish "A Center for Advanced Thought" to foster higher-order thinking. After decades of discussion, it inspired me to found Lifel, an organization dedicated to interdisciplinary research in sustainability, where Monty continued to contribute his invaluable insights. As we mourn the loss of Monty, we know that his impact on the scientific community and all those who had the privilege of knowing him will endure. May we continue to find comfort in the memories of his remarkable life and the profound legacy he leaves behind. Rest in Peace my Friend. Nikhil Joshi

Posted by Nikhil Joshi on January 13, 2024

I knew Monty for 15 years. During that time he was full of sage advice, comfort and understanding and encouragement. We wrote a number of research papers together. I will always cherish the many hours of friendship and scientific discussion. Monty, maybe now you will find out if the moon is made of green cheese.

Posted by Tarynn Witten on January 12, 2024

I knew Dr. Kier most of my life, having been best friends with his wonderful daughter, Kathe, for over 40 years. The Kier’s home was basically my second childhood home. In my younger years, Dr. Kier always had funny stories to share with Kathe and me. When I got married he loved having deep conversations with my husband, Conrad. Later on visits to the Kier’s home, Dr. Kier enjoyed talking with my twin daughters about a variety of twin idiosyncrasies. Dr. Kier was such a brilliant man and he will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with the entire Kier family. Love, Cathy Lyons

Posted by Cathy Alexander-Lyons on January 9, 2024

Monty was a wonderful man I only knew him for a short time but in that time I saw what a gentleman he was ,thoughts and prayers to his family which he talked about often.Love to Martha.

Posted by Lynn Smith on January 8, 2024