Donald MACSWEEN

Donald John Alexander MacSween died peacefully, in Montreal on the morning of Monday, April 22, 2024, after a bout of illness. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Andrée Moro; his children, Laurence (Justin DesForges), Jared (Valerie Gelinas), Mia (Brad MacLean), Rebecca (Daniel Canogar) and Alexander; his grandchildren, Ryn, Seren, and Elliot; and also by his first wife, Anne Douglas. Born in Montreal on January 16, 1935, to Sydney Alexander MacSween and Martha Gunhild (née Christoffersen) MacSween, Donald grew up in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, attending Willingdon School, Westhill High School and McGill University, from which he received a B.A. (1956) and Bachelor of Civil Law (1961). While at McGill, Donald co-wrote and performed in My Fur Lady, a satirical musical revue that toured the country, earning much critical acclaim. In 1962, Donald became an associate of the Montreal law firm, Howard, Cate, Ogilvy et al., in which he eventually became a partner, practicing labour law. He left law in 1973 to become Director General of The National Theatre School of Canada, a position he held until 1977, when he was appointed Director General of The National Arts Centre of Canada in Ottawa. After leaving the NAC in 1987, he moved to Toronto, where he continued to be involved in the arts. Donald served on many boards over his career. Among these were The Board of Governors of The Centaur Foundation for Performing Arts, Montreal, The Board of Governors of McGill University, Montreal, The Board of Directors of The McCord Museum, Montreal, The Canada Scottish Philharmonic Foundation, Toronto, and the board of The Esprit Orchestra, Toronto. He was known for his wit, which he shared as host for twenty years (1969 – 89) of The Leacock Luncheon, an annual event during McGill University's homecoming week. He was also admired for his skill as a square dance caller, a talent he put to use in helping to raise funds for The National Theatre School of Canada and The Ottawa School of Dance. The Moro-MacSween family are grateful to the many health care professionals who were involved in Donald's life in recent weeks, and most especially to the palliative care team at The Montreal Neurological Institute. Those wishing to honour his memory are encouraged to donate to La Fondation du CSSS Cavendish, which includes The Catherine Booth Hospital, where Donald was also recently cared for (www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/julius-richardson-foundation-inc/). A celebration of life will take place at a future date.