John Francis LEDDY

LEDDY, John Francis, Order of Canada (1972), M.A., M.Litt., D.Phil., d.Litt., D.esL., D.C.L., LL.D., K.C.S.G. (1964), F.R.S.A. (1971), F.R.Hist.S. (1972)
Dr. Leddy was born in Ottawa on April 16, 1911, but was raised in Saskatoon where his father, John Joseph Leddy gained an extraordinary reputation as an educator and a real supporter of the Basilian Fathers in that city. It was, indeed through Mr. Leddy's efforts that St. Thomas More College, the Basilian College affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan, came into existence. Dr. Leddy graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in Latin and French with a B.A. (Hons.) in 1930 and a M.A. (Latin) in 1931. He then attended the University of Chicago completing Graduate work in Latin and Greek from 1932-1933. He was appointed a Saskatchewan Rhodes Scholar to Exeter College, Oxford from 1933-1936 on advanced research in ancient history. He received his B.Litt. (1935), D.Phil. (Ancient History 1938) and later a M.Litt. (1980) from Oxford. Upon completion of his studies in England, he returned to the University of Saskatchewan in 1936 where he served as Instructor in Classics (1936-39): Assistant Professor (1939-1945); Assoc. Professor (1945-46); Professor and Dept. Head (1946-64); Dean of College of Arts and Science (1949-64); Vice-President (Academic) (1961-64); Director of the University's Summerschool (1942-49). In 1938 he married the late Kathleen Beatrice White. In 1964 he left the University of Saskatchewan to assume the responsibility as the second President of the University of Windsor. On the news of his appointment, the Saskatoon Star Phoenix noted that "When Dean John Francis Leddy leaves...he will leave the Saskatchewan educational community impoverished indeed". The British Tablet, a weekly newspaper, commented, "It is sufficiently rare for a Canadian Catholic to reach high academic position outside the great French-Canadian Catholic universities, so that it is all the more gratifying to learn of the appointment of Dr. John Francis Leddy as President of the non-denominational University of Windsor. Dr. Leddy is the first Catholic layman to be appointed as President of a Canadian University." The growth of the University of Windsor during Dr. Leddy's term as President (1964-79) was truly spectacular. In 1964-65, the University had 981 full time students; in 1979-80, 6200 for an increase of 224%; in 1964-65 there were 170 full time faculty, in 1980, 521 or an increase of 206%. In Dr. Leddy's first year as President, the operating budget was $3,635,000. In his last year it had jumped to $46,438,000 or an 1177% increase. In 1964 the University had three faculties and when Dr. Leddy retired in 1979, there were nine faculties and six schools. As the late President Ron Ianni commented when Dr. Leddy received an Honorary Degree from the University in 1988 " This Mr. Chancellor was not a growth but an explosion that changed the nature of this university and, indeed, of the community. Under Dr. Leddy's firm, faithful reliable, responsible leadershiop, the University of Windsor entered the "Big Leagues". The most evident element in John Francis Leddy's character and personality was his strong faith and trust in God. He was an outspoken and firm advocate for his Church and he received a number of honours and awards from his Church in gratitude and appreciation. These include the Papal Medal "Pro Ecclecia et Pontifice" in 1956, the Cardinal Newman Award in 1958, the Lateran Cross in 1963, the Knight Grand Cross of Merit in the Order of the Knights of Malta in 1981, the Medal of Honor in the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in 1968, the rank of Knight Commander in the Order of the Knights of St. Gregory in 1964, the Knight Commander of Justice in the order of the Knights of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem in 1984 and, finally, his appointment as a member of the Papal Household, a singular honor, first conferred upon his by Pope Paul VI in 1969 and later confirmed by Popes Paul I and Paul II. This is the highest honor a Catholic layman can receive and it was one he deeply cherished. He received 12 honorary degrees from Canadian and foreign (Korea) universities and was particularly happy when he received his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Windsor in 1988 making it, as he once quipped, "an even dozen". He was also very active and involved outside the university world as he was a charter member of the Humanities Research Council, the Humanities Association of Canada, Classical Association of Canada, the Canada Council and was Vice Chair from 1964-69, the Canadian National Commission for UNESCO (President 1960-62) and Canadian Association of Rhodes Scholars. He was also Secretary-Treasurer of National Conference of Canadian Universities (1953-56); President of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association (1960-61); Advisory Board of Care Canada; the Canadian delegate to 6 meetings of the International Union of Academics; member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (1966-69); President of the Canadian Service for Overseas Students; Chairman (1962-65) and later Honorary President of the Canadian University Service Overseas; President (1979-81) of the World Federalists of Canada and Chairman (1987-1991) of the World Association of World Federalists. His was a truly remarkable career. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen. Brother of the late John Leddy and his wife Rita, late Edward Leddy and his wife Nonie, late Gerald Leddy and his wife Lillian, late Kathleen; Dorothy and husband Norman Briscoe, Patricia and husband Rudolph Lang, Murray and wife Rita, Brian and wife Aline. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Visiting Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with 3rd and 4th Degree K of C Prayers at 7 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7:30 p.m. at Janisse Brothers Funeral Home, 1139 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor (519) 253-5225. PLEASE NOTE: K of C Colour Guard are requested to meet at the Funeal Home for 6:45 p.m. Family and friends are requested to gather at Assumption Parish for visitation on Monday, September 21, 1998 at 1 p.m. till the hour of Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe, Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie officiating. Cremation with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. A tree will be planted, in memory of Dr. J. Francis Leddy, in the Janisse, Marcotte, Melady Memorial Forest. A dedication service will be held October, 1999. All are welcome. On the occasion of the 20th National Assembly of World University Service (of which he was President) Dr. Leddy received a plaque with this citation: To judge what he has done for WUSC Is more than we can do; To describe the humanity With which he has done it, Is more than we can do; To match his wit and urbanity, Is certainly more than we can do. To thank him from our depths Is all that we can do.