In Memoriam: Dr. Fred Tse

Dr. Frederick (Fred) Tse, beloved husband of Dr. Amy Tse (Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta), and cherished father of daughter Isis Tse, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the age of 67 years.

Fred was born in Hong Kong and attended La Salle College. He moved to Canada in 1975 and finished high school at Upper Canada College in Toronto (Class of 1976). At the University of Toronto, he completed his BSc (Zoology) in 1980 and then studied under the supervision of Professor Harold Atwood for his MSc (Zoology, 1981) and his PhD (Physiology, 1987). From 1987 to 1989, he conducted his postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Brian McVicar (University of Calgary). Fred then continued his postdoctoral research under the supervision of Professor Wolfhard Almers (1990-1992) and Professor Bertil Hille (1993) at the University of Washington.

In 1994, Fred became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology. He was a Medical Research Council of Canada (now Canadian Institutes of Health Research) Scholar, as well as a Scholar and Senior Scholar of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). He became a full professor in 2007.

Fred was passionate about research and teaching. His research focused on the signaling pathways and proteins involved in secretion. Amongst his research, he was particularly proud of his work (in collaboration with Amy) that was published in the renowned journals of Science and Neuron.

Fred had multiple health challenges during his life. He was diagnosed with a brain chordoma in 1998 and thus underwent surgery in Toronto, followed by proton radiation therapy at Harvard University. In 2021, he had a stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Fred loved photography, listening to classical music, and studying European history. He enjoyed playing the cello and his favorite composer was Bach.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2 pm at the Chapel of Bells in Calgary. The service will be available for online viewing at https://gb774.app.goo.gl/V2Qzy

In memory of Fred and his commitment to scientific research and teaching, his wife Amy will establish a scholarship for students at the University of Alberta.