A local academic whose mysterious disappearance captivated Edmontonians until his body was found in the North Saskatchewan River Tuesday will be forever immortalized by a University of Toronto scholarship established in his name.
In a letter to the UofT Mathematics Department, Chair John Bland called Robert Barrington Leigh, 20, “an exceptional student†who was “shy and modest, despite his enormous abilities.â€
The student was visiting his family in Edmonton when he disappeared Aug. 13. His body was recovered Tuesday and his death ruled non-criminal.
Barrington Leigh was to enter his fourth year of math and physics studies at the UofT this fall, and was already taking graduate-level courses by his second year.
He’d won top awards there, and at several international math competitions. Bland expected him to pursue graduate studies at a top university, “and to have a brilliant career.â€
A memorial for Barrington Leigh will take place in Toronto Sunday at the Duke of Gloucester pub on Yonge Street.
Sunday in Edmonton, Barrington Leigh’s family will host a private gathering for their son’s friends and family at 1 p.m. at the Strathcona Community Centre at 10139-87 Ave.
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