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Dr. JOHN FRANCIS CLIFFORD MCLACHLAN

Dr. JOHN FRANCIS CLIFFORD MCLACHLAN obituary

JOHN MCLACHLAN Obituary

DR. JOHN FRANCIS CLIFFORD McLACHLAN Dr. John Francis Clifford McLachlan died peacefully at Kensington Gardens, Toronto, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, aged 85. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Alainnah Robertson; sons, Brian (Amber) and Phil; grandsons, Conan and Flint; cousin, Dr. Robert C. Dickson; niece, Laura Berry; and stepdaughter, Jacoline Loewen, step-grandsons Ross and Craig Loewen. He is predeceased by his sister, Susan Berry. Born to John (Jack) and Florence (Clifford) in Hamilton, John embarked on his professional career as a minister with the United Church in Saskatchewan, and later, in his hometown. A profound scholar, he pursued a Doctor of Divinity degree at the University of Toronto, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to psychological guidance. Five years into his ministerial career, John underwent a transformative decision to become a psychologist. Returning to the University of Toronto, he honed his skills in psychology, eventually practicing in the private sector and later contributing his expertise to St. Michael's Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital. John's avocation was Magic. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) from an early age, earning the prestigious Order of Merlin. In Toronto, he was a member of IBM Ring 17 and President of IBM Ring 99 for two consecutive terms. John was a 43-year member of the prestigious 4F group of close-up magicians, who hold a by-invitation-only gathering each April for top magicians from around the globe. John's original magic can be found in his enchanting book Goldfinger: Stand Up Coin Mysteries, ensuring John's magic will continue to influence generations of magicians. John was a quiet, kindly man, respected and much loved by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff at Kensington Gardens, Toronto, for their compassionate care during John's final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Kensington Gardens.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 12 to Jan. 16, 2024.

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Ken Ahronson

July 28, 2024

I just noticed John´s obit. John was my supervisor as I did an MEd and most of a PhD at OISE. Loved his humour and his skill in Magic. One of the enduring influences for me was John´s dedication to publish in scholarly and trade journals. I tried to model that behaviour and although I never occupies a position that required publication I was relatively successful in getting articles describing my work published. That provided a great source of pride for me. RIP John, you influenced my work life greatly.
Ken

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Rev. John W. E. Griffin

January 14, 2024

John was my best friend during our years at McMaster University in Hamilton and later Emmanuel College in Toronto. In fact I asked John to be the best man at my wedding, but he had moved to Saskatchewan to minister to a rural church, so alas it did not happen. In our McMaster years he lived just around the corner from me in Hamilton so we spent a lot of time together. He showed me the joys of Magic and also got me into electronics and Ham Radio. John actually built his own ham radio out of parts he bought from electronic outlet stores. So he was a man of many fields. I will sorely miss him.

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