Dear RASC Victoria Centre Members,
It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our dear friend and longtime member, Sid Sidhu, passed away this weekend.
Sid was a stalwart of everything good about the RASC. He was an unwavering champion of our school program, a tireless supporter of public outreach, and a cherished friend to so many of us. His contributions to our Centre and to astronomy education in our community are immeasurable, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
We are currently working to ensure that we respect the wishes and needs of Sid’s family, and we will share more information as it becomes available for celebrations of Sid’s life. In the meantime, this in-memoriam page on our website honours Sid’s legacy.
We understand this is difficult news, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to process it prior to the AstroCafe tonight. Over the coming weeks we encourage members to share memories at in-person or virtual gatherings of the society if you are comfortable doing so. Members may also share memories and reflections of Sid on our Facebook group and our RASCvic email list (join here – Members Only).
We also invite members to share ideas for how we might celebrate Sid’s life and contributions at our upcoming annual meeting. Your thoughts and tributes will help us honour him in a way that reflects the deep impact he had on our Centre.
On behalf of the Council, I extend heartfelt condolences to Sid’s family and to all who knew and cared about him.
Sincerely,
Dan Posey, President
Victoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
A collection of Photos of Sid participating in Victoria Centre activities and events over the years.
Memories of Sid from members
Natasha van Bentum – The one-and-only Sid Sidhu went “over the horizon” (as they say in the Circumnavigators Club) on the weekend, just short of being nine decades on this planet. We met during IYA 2009. I’ll never forget his extraordinary warmth and enthusiasm. Rock on, Sid!
Donna Andrew – He was a kind and patient man. A real wonderful person to have at star parties
Cameron Burton – Such an amazing, friendly and supportive soul.
Bruce Lane – That’s some sad news. Sid pretty much defined excellence in public outreach and for more than a few of us over the years was our RASC Dad.
Chris Gainor – Earlier this year, our centre expressed its appreciation to Sid with the Newton-Ball Award for an unprecedented second time. Here’s the citation: “Over the past forty years Sid Sidhu has been at the core of the RASC Victoria Centre. He has held numerous leadership positions within the organization and is still the coordinator of the Telescope Loan Program. He was our Librarian, helped to build the VCO, coordinated many annual RASCals Star Parties and International Astronomy Days, as well as leading hundreds of outreach events. Over the years he has given thousands of students a taste of his passion for astronomy with school programs.
“He is a mentor, an instigator, a facilitator, but most of all, our friend. He is the only person in the Centre’s history to be given the Newton-Ball Award twice. Thank you, Sid for your generosity of time, spirit and energy.”
Sherry Buttnor – Sail on among the stars you loved so much, Sid. You will be missed.
Joe Carr – I knew Sid long before I became involved in astronomy, and even back then he was known as the “go to” guy if you wanted to get things done or solve an issue. Sid was so generous with his outreach to virtually anyone who was interested in astronomy and was lucky enough to connect with him. He never said “no”, helping everyone pursue their passion for science and observing the night sky. Fittingly, Asteroid Sidhu is his namesake, forever captured in our solar system – 10109 Sidhu (1992 KQ).
Jim Cox – A piece of the universe has been lost
David Lee – I’m glad I spoke to Sid recently. Our conversation reminded me of his infinite generosity and his caring for others. To be always remembered, certainly the benchmark for public outreach. You will be missed.
Kim Hay – So sorry to hear this, Condolences to his family and his astronomical family.
Ida von Schuckmann – Heartfelt hugs to all including Sid’s family. I was one of the lucky teachers whose classes enjoyed Sid’s love for astronomy. Most memorable was a star party at our school where Sid being surrounded by interested young students. I’m sure that some of his passion for astronomy has rubbed off on them.
Memories of Sid from members at Astronomy Cafe – Oct 27, 2025