Kenneth V. Honn, Ph.D

1946–2023 (Detroit, Michigan)

Kenneth V. Honn, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pathology and Adjunct Professor in Chemistry, passed away on May 9, 2023, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Caryn.

Born in Detroit on February 10, 1946, Ken spent his life as a Detroiter and Wayne Stater. He earned his Ph.D. in Endocrinology in 1977 and became a Professor in Radiation Oncology in 1984. Named Distinguished Professor in 2004, his lab and office were in the Chemistry Building throughout his career.

Ken was a pioneer in lipid research in cancer, discovering the role of prostacyclin in cancer metastasis in the 80s and identifying the receptor for 12-HETE. He authored over 360 publications, held 17 U.S. patents, and co-founded the International Conference on Bioactive Lipids. His work earned Cancer Metastasis Reviews a top ranking among oncology journals.

He was passionate about health through PUFA-derived lipid mediators and fought prostate cancer successfully using omega-3 PUFA supplements. Though he succumbed to pancreatic cancer, his spirit and dedication to science remain an inspiration.

John C. “Jack” McGiff, MD

1927–2013 (Patchogue, New York)

Dr. McGiff, a leading cardiovascular and renal researcher, passed away peacefully at his home on February 2, 2013. He earned his BA from Georgetown University and his MD from Columbia University, serving as a Senior Medical Officer in Korea and Japan.

Dr. McGiff held faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania and served as Chief of Cardiology at St. Louis University. He worked with Nobel Laureate Sir John Vane before becoming Chair of Pharmacology at NYMC in 1979, a role he held until 2010.

As the founder of the International Winter Eicosanoid Conference, Dr. McGiff contributed significantly to pharmacological research. His legacy as a scholar, educator, and researcher profoundly impacted the understanding of cardiovascular health.