Nathan Sears

I didn't know Nathan personally, but I attended his panel in Montreal in the morning of March 15. He was brilliant and I actually wanted to talk to him after the session but thought I could reach out by email at a later point. It would have never occurred to me that he would pass away the next day in such a horrible way. I don't have words and I am not sure if anything can ever ease the pain of his family and those who knew him and loved him. I wish them to find some sense in this tragedy, to find peace. I am so sorry.

Nathan was a student in the PhD core course for Political Theory students the last time I taught it. He took the course even though he was an IR student, which was unusual, and from our very first session it was clear that his drive and positive energy would make the class a delight to teach. He was a beacon of joyful curiosity, brimming with positive energy, love of learning, and keen intelligence. He was argumentative in just the right way, and the discussions never lagged even though it was a small class that year. He was passionate about ideas, and his realist streak came out with special clarity in his delight when we got Hobbes and Machiavelli. I am grateful to have known him. My heart goes out to his family and all who loved him.

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nathan's passing. I met Nathan in the PhD program at UofT where we worked as Teaching Assistants for an introductory International Relations summer course. Nathan's helped design a class activity in our first session introducing students to big concepts in a concrete way and his commitment to teaching and student engagement really stuck out to me. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Nathan was an incredibly kind person, whose research tackled head on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. One time, I was applying for a role that Nathan had held previously. Nathan met with me for over an hour just to help me prep for the interview, and reviewed my application materials. The was always kind and supportive, and I am so sorry for this tragic loss.

I taught Nathan during his MA at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. I remember Nathan as an excellent and very motivated student. I'm so sorry his life came to such a tragic and untimely end. I hope Nathan's memory will be a source of consolation.

When I first heard about Nathan's dissertation topic, I thought, 'this is a true visionary and a creative mind who cares about the important stuff' – although I never had the chance to get to know him personally, the moment he presented his research in class shaped my image about him. Later, I also witnessed how he helped others and asked important questions to push them to think differently. Nathan truly cared about the world and the people that live in it. I am shocked to hear about the devastating news of his tragic passing. I am wishing his partner and family patience and the strength to navigate these difficult times, he will be missed...

I am shocked and devastated to learn of Nathan’s tragic passing. He was a creative thinker, a passionate educator, and a talented scholar with such a promising future ahead of him. He will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this very challenging time.

After reading everyone’s messages I really don’t know what else to add, except to say Nathan exemplified the ideal of what a scholar should be: always interested in big ideas, open to intellectual debate, perpetually curious. I am honored to have known him through the IR core seminar and to have the privilege to call him a colleague. In the grand scheme of things, the world lost a son, husband, and friend; but to us at U of T poli sci, we lost a formidable member of our community. Rest in Power Dr. Sears.