Roberto Araya Ariztía: In Loving Memory

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberto Araya Ariztía on the evening of May 29, 2024, at the age of 50.

Roberto was a devoted husband and father, whose unwavering love shone brightly upon his two sons, Roberto Nicolas Araya and Maximiliano Conrads Miranda, his cherished wife, Soledad Miranda Rottmann and his dog Stanley.

The son of María Cristina Ariztía and the late distinguished geologist Roberto Araya, Roberto was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, where he developed a passion for Science and Nature. Roberto, an honours student, attended the Manquehue SSCC School and the Catholic University of Chile, where he earned a BS in Biology and a PhD in Physiology in partnership with the Institute of Genetics at the University of Bonn, Germany. It was during this time that Soledad and Max became part of his life. In 2004, they moved to New York City, where he pursued postdoctoral studies in Neuroscience at Columbia University as a PEW Latin American fellow.

On his 36th birthday, Roberto celebrated the joyous arrival of his younger son and namesake. A year later, the family relocated to Montreal, where he and his beloved wife founded the Araya Lab, dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the brain and the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Together, they mentored 30 trainees, fostering a fun yet motivating and ambitious lab environment. Roberto’s groundbreaking work has offered new hope for understanding various neurodevelopmental conditions and developing potential treatments. His extensive contributions included teaching, publications and numerous invited presentations around the world. He cherished bringing people together for thought-provoking discussions about life and science.

Roberto lived life to the fullest, consistently pursuing excellence and embracing new challenges. In his youth, he was an avid rugby and soccer player, passions that eventually gave way to a love of rock climbing and long-distance swimming. His adventurous spirit also led him to establish the Voltage-Gated Brewery, where he cultivated his own hops, blending his appreciation for craftsmanship with his entrepreneurial drive.

Roberto's appreciation for the arts was multifaceted. The powerful chords of classic rock and the visionary narratives of Stanley Kubrick films deeply resonated with him, reflecting his eclectic taste. He was particularly fond of classic horror, and it was his hope to share the chilling experience of watching "The Thing" with his younger son before his untimely passing.

In addition to his athletic and artistic pursuits, Roberto was a skilled graphic artist and a talented singer. His love for complex books was matched by his passion for travel, leading him on extensive bus journeys across South America, where he immersed himself in the rich cultures and landscapes of the continent. Roberto's life was a testament to his diverse interests and relentless zest for life.

Roberto was preceded in death by his father, Roberto Araya. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother, María Cristina Ariztía; his siblings, María Isabel, María Cristina, Juan Enrique y Benjamín; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Roberto was a paragon of intellect, courage, and kindness. A truly remarkable man, he brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will forever shine in the hearts of his sons, wife, friends, extended family in Chile, and all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive condolences Sunday June 9th from 13h to 15h at the Mont-Royal funeral complex (1297 chem. de la forêt, Outremont), a commemoration service will take place at 15h and a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fondation CHU Sainte-Justine. https://www.fondationstejustine.org