Jack MACDONALD Obituary

MacDONALD, Jack Robert:
Passed away quietly and in peace on December 1st, 2022, with his wife of 60 years, Lillian, by his side, and his sons Mark and Ian, daughters-in-law Nancy Baggio and Laura Meriluoto, and beloved grandchildren Mika and Annika in his heart. He lived a complete life full of his passions, alongside those who loved him, and he loved in return. Jack was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 18th, 1937. Over his 85 years, he and his family lived in a rich variety of places, establishing deep friendships, and leaving his mark professionally and personally in each: Oxford, England; Plainfield and Berkley Heights, New Jersey; Palo Alto, California; Guelph, Ontario; Howick, New Zealand; and Christchurch, New Zealand. A man of letters and academic leadership (B.A.Sc. (UBC), Ph.D. (UBC), LL.D. (Guelph)), he was a researcher, professor, leader, and passionate advocate for scholarship across his various institutional homes at the University of British Columbia, Oxford University, Bell Laboratories, Rutgers University, Stanford University, the University of Guelph, and the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). His career was marked by many accomplishments reflecting commitment to science, higher education, and community impact, articulated most proudly in his role as Chief Executive at MIT and his shared work with community leaders to build the Ng Kete Wnanga Marae. Equally, the Jack and Lillian MacDonald Scholarship at the University of Guelph was established to recognize their commitment to increasing the accessibility of post-secondary education to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) learners in Canada, and to reflect the family's long affiliation with Guelph. Through all, Jack was a student and teacher. Of life, of passion, of what it means to be committed to excellence in whatever endeavour. To physics, to simple hard work, to his vision of what was right, and to his belief that honesty, fairness and determination will carry through. A keen sportsman. A quick wit. A traveller. Music in his very soul. Confirmed in his sense that sharing the interesting and important experiences in life with those he loved, is what mattered most. A friend to believe in and rely on. And above all else, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather who forever will be missed. The MacDonald Family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Windsorcare in Shirley, Christchurch, for their support and kindness in Jack's final months. "Jack's Last Shout" will be held to celebrate a life truly lived, with family and friends, at the Christchurch Golf and Country Club on Thursday, December 15th from 3:30pm with remarks at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity in his honour. Remembrances can be sent to [email protected].