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JOHN MACDONALD Obituary
DR. JOHN B. MACDONALD
Passed peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, in his 97th year. He will be deeply missed by Liba, his beloved wife of almost 50 years. He leaves behind his loving children Kaaren (David), Grant (Jan), Scott (Christine), Linda (Jerry) and Vivian (Rob). He was a cherished grandfather to Kristin (Scott), Jason (Veronica), Justine (Tyler), Vanessa, Julianne (Robert), Christopher, Laura (Jay), Richard and Michelle. He was a proud great-grandfather to Tatam, Kol, Jayde, Satchel and Lia. Dr. Macdonald graduated from the University of Toronto in the middle of World War 2, served as a Captain in the Canadian Dental Corps, and after the war, studied microbiology at the University of Illinois and Columbia. On returning to a teaching and research appointment at the University of Toronto, he rose quickly to become the founding director of the Division of Dental Research. His reputation as a scientist and educator led to an invitation to move to Harvard in 1956 as a Professor of Microbiology and Director of the Forsyth Infirmary. In 1961 Dr. Macdonald was invited to accept the presidency of the University of British Columbia. His advice led to the establishment of Simon Fraser University and Victoria University, allowing UBC to concentrate on the development and expansion of graduate education and research. In the 70s Dr. Macdonald was CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities where he was a powerful advocate for 'collective autonomy', arguing that the 15 universities should use the Council as a vehicle for planning and implementing the evolution of the Ontario system - because they were best qualified to do so, and because to fail to do so would invite government intervention. During the last years of his career Dr. Macdonald was President of the Addiction Research Foundation, a research affiliate of the World Health Organization. Dr. Macdonald has served as consultant to governments, universities and colleges in both Canada and the United States. For his contributions as a scientist and academic leader he has received honorary degrees from Harvard, University of Manitoba, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brock University, University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor and the University of Toronto. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (at Goulding, south of Steeles). In lieu of flowers, please visit www.rskane.ca for ways to donate towards the preservation of Lake Simcoe.
Passed peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, in his 97th year. He will be deeply missed by Liba, his beloved wife of almost 50 years. He leaves behind his loving children Kaaren (David), Grant (Jan), Scott (Christine), Linda (Jerry) and Vivian (Rob). He was a cherished grandfather to Kristin (Scott), Jason (Veronica), Justine (Tyler), Vanessa, Julianne (Robert), Christopher, Laura (Jay), Richard and Michelle. He was a proud great-grandfather to Tatam, Kol, Jayde, Satchel and Lia. Dr. Macdonald graduated from the University of Toronto in the middle of World War 2, served as a Captain in the Canadian Dental Corps, and after the war, studied microbiology at the University of Illinois and Columbia. On returning to a teaching and research appointment at the University of Toronto, he rose quickly to become the founding director of the Division of Dental Research. His reputation as a scientist and educator led to an invitation to move to Harvard in 1956 as a Professor of Microbiology and Director of the Forsyth Infirmary. In 1961 Dr. Macdonald was invited to accept the presidency of the University of British Columbia. His advice led to the establishment of Simon Fraser University and Victoria University, allowing UBC to concentrate on the development and expansion of graduate education and research. In the 70s Dr. Macdonald was CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities where he was a powerful advocate for 'collective autonomy', arguing that the 15 universities should use the Council as a vehicle for planning and implementing the evolution of the Ontario system - because they were best qualified to do so, and because to fail to do so would invite government intervention. During the last years of his career Dr. Macdonald was President of the Addiction Research Foundation, a research affiliate of the World Health Organization. Dr. Macdonald has served as consultant to governments, universities and colleges in both Canada and the United States. For his contributions as a scientist and academic leader he has received honorary degrees from Harvard, University of Manitoba, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brock University, University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor and the University of Toronto. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (at Goulding, south of Steeles). In lieu of flowers, please visit www.rskane.ca for ways to donate towards the preservation of Lake Simcoe.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Toronto Star from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2014.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN MACDONALD
3 Entries
Monika Forberger
February 8, 2023
I had the honor and pleasure of working for Dr. MacDonald in the President's Office in 1965. He was responsible for my becoming a professional writer, and even years later supported me in that venture through a cherished e-mail message. His wife Liba, had also been a family friend. Thank you Dr. MacDonald for showing me the way to a fulfilling life.
Garth Toombs
March 29, 2022
A great leader providing insightful direction to many people who worked for and with him.
Kim Lambert
December 29, 2014
A true gentleman, a great leader, and a genuine professional. It was an honor to know Jack.
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