Dr. Joseph Matthias (Frank) (J.F.) Kos
November 25, 1938 – January 28, 2025
It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Joseph Matthias (Frank) Kos, who passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Fonthill, Ontario. Born on November 25, 1938, in Montreal, Quebec, he was the beloved son of Franciszek (Frank) Joseph Kos and Helena (Helen) Kos (Stadnik). He grew up in St. Catharines ON and completed his studies in Ottawa, where he met his wife Helene. They moved to Regina, SK where they raised their family.
An experimental physicist and educator (professor emeritus), Joseph dedicated his career to the pursuit of scientific discovery and invention. His work focused on the behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures, and in 1973, he made a groundbreaking contribution by proving that electrical resistivity in metals deviates from Matthiessen's rule due to phonon-assisted scattering effects.
In his younger years, he enjoyed photography, skiing, playing hockey, and tennis. He enjoyed swimming and would swim with his family throughout the summers. He was an avid reader in a wide variety of topics including physics, history, politics and economics. He approached life methodically and with extreme precision - as found in the physics lab. Whether it was assembling the perfect pizza, tackling household repairs, or maintaining his swimming pool to such an immaculate standard that the water was nearly potable. His methodical nature ensured that everything was done with measure, balance, and the precision of a scientist.
Joe relished intellectual debates, sometimes so passionately that one might have thought he secretly aspired to be a lawyer. His mind was complemented by a generous spirit—he never hesitated to help family, friends, or distant relatives. He often remarked about how much he cherished his friends. His greatest joy was his family and his love of teaching extended to his children through coaching hockey and helping them and their friends with their math and physics assignments. He was a generous father who encouraged and supported his children's interests and pursuits. He enjoyed summer holidays at the lake with his family where he would teach them astronomy while star gazing around a bonfire. He had a sense of situational humor and could bring levity with a humorous story or a witty quip.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Helene Kos (Robert); his brother, Edward Kos; his children, Michael Kos (Kirsten), Marek Kos (Bernadette), and Nathalie Kos (Ben Wickland); and his cherished grandchildren: Owen Kos, Sasha Kos, Thomas Wickland, Kate Wickland, Sophie Wickland, Julianne Kos, Emily Kos, and Sarah Kos.
A memorial and celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2025, where family and friends will gather to honor his remarkable life and legacy.
Joseph’s life was one of intellect, generosity, and meticulous precision in all that he did. His love, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.