Samuel O. Freedman: key obituary facts
Is Samuel O. Freedman dead? Yes. Samuel O. Freedman died on November 10, 2026, at age 98.
Cause of death: Samuel O. Freedman's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Samuel O. Freedman known for?
He was a Canadian immunologist.
More about Samuel O. Freedman
Born: 8 May 1928.
Place of birth: Montreal.
Gender: male.
Occupation: immunologist, university teacher.
Nationality: Canada.
Education: McGill University.
Employer: McGill University.
Awards: Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the National Order of Quebec, Canada Gairdner International Award, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, honorary doctorate from the McGill University, Prix Armand-Frappier.
Also known as: Samuel Orkin Freedman.
Occupations: Immunologist, professor.
Samuel O.
Freedman, a Canadian immunologist and academic, died November 10, 2026, aged 98. Born in Montreal, he studied at McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1953.
He later served as a professor and academic administrator, and McGill was also his employer. A central contribution to his scientific work came in 1965, when he and Phil Gold co-discovered carcinoembryonic antigen. The antigen became the basis of a blood test used in the diagnosis and management of people with colorectal cancer, linking their research to a clinical tool used in patient care. Freedman was recognized with the Officer of the Order of Canada and the Knight of the National Order of Quebec. His other distinctions included the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Prix Armand-Frappier, election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an honorary doctorate from McGill University. His career brought together clinical immunology, university teaching and academic administration, alongside research with a lasting role in colorectal cancer testing. Born Samuel Orkin Freedman, he was identified professionally as a Canadian clinical immunologist and professor. His work with Gold remains the defining scientific achievement noted in accounts of his career, while his honors reflected recognition from Canadian institutions and the broader scientific community.