Obituaries Archives - YFile /yfile/tags-to-show/obituaries/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:22 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.10 Passings: Nollaig MacKenzie  /yfile/2026/10/21/passings-nollaig-mackenzie/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:06:26 +0000 /yfile/?p=410800 Long-time Glendon College philosophy scholar Nollaig MacKenzie is remembered for his contributions to teaching, research and the University community.

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Long-time philosophy scholar Nollaig MacKenzie, associate professor emeritus at 91ÑÇÉ«'s Glendon College, has died.

Born in Scotland, MacKenzie immigrated to Canada during childhood where he was raised in Duncan, B.C. He studied at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a BA and continued his study of philosophy at Cornell University, where he earned a PhD.

Nollaig MacKenzie
Nollaig MacKenzie

He joined Glendon College as a professor of philosophy in 1967 during the formative years of 91ÑÇÉ« and one year after the Glendon campus was officially inaugurated. 

MacKenzie's work explored logic, social contract theory, utilitarianism and the structural aspects of human thought. His teaching and research centred on evaluating how humans construct logical arguments, detecting flaws in reasoning and examining principles of social justice – specifically drawing from John Rawls's theories. He published and lectured on these topics, making important contributions to the field of philosophy. 

His work often intersected with that of his wife, Ann MacKenzie, who also served Glendon as an associate professor of philosophy. The couple collaborated on several projects, specifically for historical research on philosophical concepts. 

In addition to his scholarship, MacKenzie was deeply rooted in the community and identity of Glendon College. He was also immersed in community life, participating as a member of the Glendon Faculty Soccer Team. 

In June 2026, the Ann and Nollaig MacKenzie Award for undergraduate students was formally presented to the 91ÑÇÉ« Senate. The award was established by Glendon graduate Robert Stainton (BA'87, Hon. BA'88) to honour the MacKenzies as his professors and advisors. It will support undergraduate students at Glendon who are in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. 

After retirement, MacKenzie returned to Vancouver Island. He spent those years with family and friends, and learning how to play the piano. 

He is survived by his Ann, his wife of 58 years, and his brother Will (Sandra), sister Winnie and sister Fiona Middlemiss (Barry), seven nieces, two nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.  

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Passings: David Skinner /yfile/2026/10/16/passings-david-skinner/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:08:59 +0000 /yfile/?p=410696 Professor Emeritus David Skinner's career at 91ÑÇÉ« encompassed teaching, research and leadership, including serving as founding Chair of the Department of Communication & Media Studies.

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91ÑÇÉ« Professor Emeritus David Skinner, a longtime 91ÑÇÉ« scholar whose research, teaching and leadership advanced the study of communication and media in Canada, has died.

During a career at 91ÑÇÉ« spanning more than two decades, Skinner contributed to the growth of communication studies at the University while developing an extensive body of scholarship on Canadian broadcasting, media policy and the political economy of communications.

David-N.-Skinner
David Skinner

Skinner was an associate professor in the Department of Communication & Media Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, before retiring in 2025.

Skinner's interest in communication and media students ignited in 1984, after leaving a job as a car salesman to finish his BA at Simon Fraser University (SFU). There, he discovered media policy and was taught by key figures in the political economy of media in Canada, such as Robert Hackett and Richard Gruneau.

He earned a bachelor degree in communication, and went on to complete a master's in media studies from Concordia University and in 1997, completed his PhD dissertation at SFU which focused on the political economy of English Canadian broadcasting. In 2025, he recently published a book on this work, titled A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit (UBC Press).

Skinner played a pivotal role developing the field of communication and media studies in Canada. He founded the Journalism program at Thompson Rivers University. In 2002 he joined 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Social Science, and later helped to establish 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Communication & Media Studies as well as the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture with Toronto Metropolitan University.

From 2009 to 2012, he served as founding Chair of the Department of Communication & Media Studies, where he helped establish the department and shape its academic direction during its early years. He took other administrative roles during his time at the University, including MA coordinator and University senator. He also served as director of the Canadian Media Research Consortium from 2010 to 2018.

His scholarly work examined some of the central questions surrounding Canadian media, including the relationship between public broadcasting, private capital, regulation and media ownership.

Skinner was among the authors of Media and Communication in Canada: Networks, Culture, Technology, Audience, considered a defining resource in the field for its use as an introductory textbook at universities and colleges.

"David’s vision was that Canadian perspectives on media and communication are central to Canadian democratic ideals and to fostering Canada as a nation independent of big geopolitical powers," reads a message from colleagues at 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Communications & Media Studies. "Needless to say, such contribution is as timely as ever today."

His other work reflected a sustained interest in how media systems can serve communities and the public interest. His publications included the co-edited Alternative Media in Canada and work addressing community media, media activism, journalism, ownership and media reform.

That work continued late into his career. In 2025, Skinner published A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit, which traces the development of anglophone public broadcasting in Canada from the early era of the telegraph through the digital age.

Skinner also focused considerable attention on students. He took part in departmental celebrations recognizing undergraduate achievement, such as presenting the Penny Jolliffe Award to outstanding students and taught the first year introductory course up until his retirement.

"David was a mentor and champion who taught how to navigate the complexities of the profession," reads the message shared by colleagues. "David was always about community, always about conciliation and bringing people together."

After retiring from 91ÑÇÉ« in early 2026, he returned to live in B.C. with his wife Jennefer Laidley, a 91ÑÇÉ« MES alum. The couple tragically died in a snorkelling accident while on holiday in the South Pacific.

With files from members of 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Communication & Media Studies

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Passings: Chris Russel /yfile/2026/10/14/passings-chris-russel/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:52:26 +0000 /yfile/?p=410644 From student employee to chief information security officer, Chris Russel will be remembered for a long-serving career protecting the University community and strengthening its information systems. 

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Chris Russel, 91ÑÇÉ«'s chief information security officer, has passed away following an illness.

A long-serving employee, Russel dedicated his career to 91ÑÇÉ« over a span of 30 years, beginning in 1995 when he joined the University as a student employee.

Chris Russel
Chris Russel

In 1997, he began his full-time career with 91ÑÇÉ« as a computer support technician and served in many technical and leadership roles over three decades, including systems administrator, information security analyst, information security manager, director of IT infrastructure, interim chief information officer and chief information security officer. 

Appointed chief information security officer in 2019, Russel focused on supporting and protecting the University community. His leadership helped build, strengthen and safeguard many of the systems and practices 91ÑÇÉ« relies on today. 

A valued leader and trusted partner at the University, Russel's commitment and stewardship were deeply admired and respected across 91ÑÇÉ«. His contributions included defending against serious cyberattacks, modernizing measures to prevent security breaches and overseeing major systems migrations to improve computing at 91ÑÇÉ«. 

Brad Strom, 91ÑÇÉ«'s chief information officer, says he admired Russel's calm and professional approach guiding the University through challenging cybersecurity matters. 

"Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Chris will be remembered as a trusted colleague who was always willing to share his knowledge, offer support and help others navigate difficult situations," says Strom.  

Russel's expertise was influential beyond his contributions to 91ÑÇÉ«. He often consulted on information security investigations, assessments, and research and development initiatives. His work included a vulnerability assessment tool used by post-secondary institutions and other organizations around the world. 

From 2011 to 2018, he served as Chair of GTAnet's board of directors before the organization amalgamated with ORION, a not-for-profit supporting cybersecurity across Ontario. He also taught with the SANS Institute from 2005 to 2011, providing instruction in information security, hacking and computer forensics. 

"His quiet professionalism, thoughtful advice and dedication to those around him left a lasting impression on many of us," says Strom. 

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Passings: Tuan Cao-Huu /yfile/2026/09/23/passings-tuan-cao-huu/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:11:15 +0000 /yfile/?p=410154 Associate Professor Tuan Cao-Huu spent over two decades at Glendon, advancing the fields of electrical engineering and the minds of his beloved students.

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Tuan Cao-Huu, a Glendon associate professor whose career at 91ÑÇÉ« spanned more than two decades, died Sept. 8.

Cao-Huu, who held degrees in mathematics, physics, medicine and electrical engineering, joined Glendon in 2002. Over more than two decades at 91ÑÇÉ«, he taught computer science and quantitative courses in both English and French, drawing on a wide range of interests and experiences to encourage students to think across disciplinary boundaries.

Tuan Cao-Huu
Tuan Cao-Huu

A dedicated educator, he sought to build students' analytical and technical skills while fostering intellectual curiosity. Students knew him as kind, funny and approachable, while colleagues remember him as generous and deeply invested in the success of those around him.

His research explored fields ranging from supercomputing and advanced imaging systems to machine vision. Working with collaborators in Canada and abroad, including researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he contributed to projects that connected theoretical science with real-world applications in imaging and computational technologies.

Beyond his academic work, Cao-Huu was valued for his curiosity, warmth and love of learning. He enjoyed playing piano, singing folk songs, reciting poetry and discussing philosophy, often drawing on the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He was also known for his enthusiasm for technology and his habit of keeping several laptops in use at once as he pursued his many interests.

Cao-Huu is survived by his wife, Beverley Murray; sons Alexander and William; and a large circle of relatives, friends, colleagues and former students.


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Passings: Mary Catherine Davidson /yfile/2026/09/18/passings-mary-catherine-davidson/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:19:43 +0000 /yfile/?p=410106 An associate professor at Glendon, Mary Catherine Davidson was a passionate teacher of English whose enthusiasm was passed on to her students.

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Mary Catherine Davidson, an associate professor of English at Glendon whose work explored the history and evolution of English, passed away Sept. 7.

Davidson taught a wide range of courses, including medieval and modern English, linguistics, language and society, media studies, Chaucer, Old English and Canadian English.

Her research examined the ways language develops and changes across time, with particular interests in multilingualism in medieval England, language contact, language attitudes and medievalism. Drawing connections between language, literature, culture and media, she brought an interdisciplinary perspective to her work as a scholar and educator.

Davidson authored Medievalism, Multilingualism, and Chaucer (2010) and co-edited The Languages of Nation: Attitudes and Norms (2012). She was also developing a book project that explored representations of American English, dialects and second languages in Hollywood films of the 1940s and 1950s.

Before joining Glendon, Davidson taught at the University of Kansas. Throughout her career, she mentored students, participated in scholarly associations, organized academic events and contributed to the intellectual life of the institutions she served.

Students remember Davidson for her wit, enthusiasm and engaging teaching style. Many praise her ability to make complex subjects approachable and to offer fresh perspectives on Old English, medieval literature and the history of language.

Through her teaching, research and service, Davidson fostered a deeper appreciation for language and its history, leaving a lasting influence on students, colleagues and the wider academic community.

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Passings: Kurt Danziger /yfile/2026/08/19/passings-kurt-danziger/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:23:12 +0000 /yfile/?p=409234 Professor Emeritus Kurt Danziger leaves behind a legacy as an activist in the anti-apartheid resistance in South Africa, a founding member of 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Psychology and an influential figure in the study of the history of psychology.

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Kurt Danziger, a formative figure in the creation of 91ÑÇÉ«'s Department of Psychology and an internationally recognized scholar whose work reshaped understanding of psychology's history, has died at the age of 100.

Born in Germany in 1926, Danziger emigrated with his family to South Africa as a child and completed degrees in chemistry and psychology at the University of Cape Town before pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Oxford, where he was among the institution's first PhD graduates in psychology.

Kurt Danziger
Kurt Danziger

After teaching in Australia and Indonesia, Danziger returned to South Africa and eventually became chair of psychology at the University of Cape Town. During the apartheid era, he became acquainted with Nelson Mandela and other leaders in the anti-apartheid movement and served as an expert witness in trials involving Black activists. His advocacy brought threats against him and his family, as well as the possibility of prosecution by the government.

In 1965, Danziger accepted an invitation to join 91ÑÇÉ« as the second chair of its Department of Psychology.

Arriving as the University was opening the Keele Campus, he helped shepherd a period of rapid growth for the department. During his two-year tenure as chair, faculty numbers more than doubled. During that period, he also helped recruit many of the scholars who would shape the department's future growth and research strengths. He remained at 91ÑÇÉ« until his retirement in 1994, when he became professor emeritus.

“Kurt was a giant in our department and in the field," says Alistair Mapp, current chair of the Department of Psychology.

While helping shape the department's growth, Danziger also emerged as one of the world's leading scholars of the history of psychology. Although he initially worked in social psychology, his interests increasingly turned toward the history of the discipline and its research methods, as well as the ways the discipline’s ideas evolved over time.

By the 1980s, that interest culminated in his influential 1990 book, Constructing the Subject: Historical Origins of Psychological Research. It was one of several landmark works that followed, including Naming the Mind: How Psychology Found Its Language and Marking the Mind: A History of Memory, helping establish his international reputation and reshaping how scholars understood psychology's past.

Collectively, his research challenged long-accepted assumptions about some of the discipline's founding figures and prompted new ways of thinking about how psychological knowledge is created. The work also helped lay the foundation for one of his most lasting contributions to 91ÑÇÉ«. Danziger helped establish the University's graduate specialization in History and Theory of Psychology, developing its curriculum and serving as its founding director when it launched in 1980. Over the following years, he supervised many of the students who entered the program, helping train a generation of scholars. The program continues today as Historical, Theoretical and Critical Research in Psychology.

Over the course of his career, Danziger received numerous honours. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1989 and received the Canadian Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in 1994 for his role in establishing 91ÑÇÉ«'s graduate specialization in the history and theory of psychology. He also received lifetime achievement awards from both the Society for the History of Psychology and the Canadian Psychological Association's History and Philosophy of Psychology Section.

For those who knew him well, including Professor Emeritus Ray Fancher, Danziger's accomplishments resonate not only in the field of psychology, but throughout 91ÑÇÉ«.

"He was surely one of 91ÑÇÉ«'s 'greatest' figures," says Fancher.

Mapp echoes that sentiment. "His legacy will live on through his students and his writings. He will be sorely missed," he says.

With files from Ray Fancher

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Passings: Robert (Bob) Cluett /yfile/2026/08/12/passings-robert-bob-cluett/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:34:36 +0000 /yfile/?p=409117 Professor Emeritus Robert Cluett leaves a legacy at 91ÑÇÉ« as a dedicated teacher, mentor and advocate for students during his more than three decades in the University's Department of English.

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Robert (Bob) Cluett, a 91ÑÇÉ« professor emeritus and recipient of an honorary doctor of letters from 91ÑÇÉ«, has died at the age of 93.

Cluett joined 91ÑÇÉ« in the 1967, beginning his more than two decades at the University, where he taught in the Department of English and served as Chair of the graduate English program before retiring in the early 1990s.

Robert (Bob) Cluett
Robert (Bob) Cluett

At 91ÑÇÉ« he became known as a dedicated teacher, mentor and advocate for students.

Former students remembered Cluett as an educator who combined intellectual rigour with generosity and encouragement. Many recall his willingness to support students through academic and professional challenges, helping them navigate graduate studies, secure career opportunities and pursue paths beyond academia. Others describe him as thoughtful, principled and deeply committed to fostering independent thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Cluett's contributions to 91ÑÇÉ« extended beyond the classroom. An associate of Winters College, he coached the University's women's squash team from 1979-86, later describing it as his most rewarding coaching experience. Former players remember him as a dedicated coach and mentor.

During his years at 91ÑÇÉ«, Cluett became increasingly interested in how universities identify and support talented students. Concerned that many promising Canadians were leaving the country to pursue post-secondary education elsewhere, and seeing limitations in scholarship programs focused primarily on grades or athletic achievement, he developed an alternative vision.

That vision led him to take early retirement from 91ÑÇÉ« in 1989 to establish the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, now known as the Loran Scholars Foundation. As founding chair and CEO, he championed an approach that emphasized character, leadership potential, resilience and community engagement alongside academic accomplishment. 91ÑÇÉ« was one of five founding university partners in the program, which has since become one of Canada's most prominent undergraduate scholarship initiatives.

According to his family, Cluett considered the foundation his proudest accomplishment.

In recognition of his contributions to education and student development, 91ÑÇÉ« awarded Cluett an honorary doctor of letters. Through his teaching, mentorship and the scholarship foundation he created, his influence continues to be felt by students and graduates across Canada.

Cluett was predeceased by his spouse and a granddaughter. He is survived by his three daughters, a cherished niece regarded as part of the immediate family, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a brother-in-law.

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Passings: John Frederick Bankes /yfile/2026/08/07/passings-john-frederick-bankes/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:30:55 +0000 /yfile/?p=409089 An alum and lifelong supporter of 91ÑÇÉ«, John Frederick Bankes created a legacy of business leadership and philanthropy for future generations by promoting the value of volunteering.

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John Frederick Bankes, a lawyer, investment banker, philanthropist and longtime supporter of 91ÑÇÉ«, has died at 74.

Bankes graduated from 91ÑÇÉ« with both an LLB and MBA in 1977 before going on to become a respected leader in law and finance. After practising law in Toronto and New 91ÑÇÉ« and working with international investment banking firms including Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston, he founded Artemis Management Group, a private investment bank that advised clients around the world on mergers, acquisitions and other major transactions.

John Frederick Barnes
John Frederick Barnes

Throughout his career, Bankes maintained a strong connection to 91ÑÇÉ«. Appointed a student member of the University's Board of Governors in 1974, he returned to the board in 1985 as an alumnus and business leader. He served for more than three decades and became the longest-serving active member of the Board of Governors.

He contributed to the University in numerous other ways over the decades. He served for more than 15 years as an executive member of the 91ÑÇÉ« Alumni Association and, in 1995, was co-chair of a national fundraising campaign in support of the University.

His involvement at 91ÑÇÉ« also included teaching as a sessional lecturer at , where he taught an advanced corporate law seminar in the joint law and MBA program, and supporting students through scholarships, bursaries and awards.

His commitment to service extended far beyond 91ÑÇÉ«. Volunteerism and philanthropy were defining features of his life, reflecting a deeply held belief in giving back to the community.

He lent his leadership and expertise to a wide range of charitable, educational, health care and cultural organizations, serving as a board member of the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation and co-chair of the Scarborough Hospital Foundation. He also served with the Prince of Wales Charities Advisory Committee, PREVNet, a national organization dedicated to preventing bullying, and arts organizations including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Stage.

In recognition of his contributions to business, philanthropy and community service, Bankes received numerous honours throughout his lifetime, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts Centennial Medal.

Among his proudest honours was receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws from 91ÑÇÉ« during Spring Convocation in 2014.

Speaking to graduands at the ceremony, Bankes encouraged them to see volunteerism not as an obligation but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Quoting inventor and futurist R. Buckminster Fuller, he said, “Find a cause that needs your involvement, your integrity, loyalty, intellectual capacity, passion and most importantly your commitment to give back to society.�

He challenged graduates to recognize the impact they could have through service, arguing that volunteerism remains a powerful force for addressing societal challenges and strengthening communities. He also shared his belief in their potential to bring about change.

“I think about what young people who have more tomorrows than yesterdays are to make of the world they have inherited,� he said.

Through a lifetime of leadership, philanthropy and service, Bankes now leaves a better inheritance for those who follow.

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Passings: Barrie Coukell /yfile/2026/08/05/passings-barrie-coukell/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:38:28 +0000 /yfile/?p=409028 Professor Emeritus Barrie Coukell is remembered for his research contributions to understanding biological processes and his devoted mentorship of graduate students during his more than 30 years at 91ÑÇÉ«.

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Professor Emeritus Barrie Coukell, a long-time 91ÑÇÉ« biology professor, mentor and researcher, has died at the age of 85.

Coukell received a bachelor of science, master of science and PhD from the University of British Columbia before completing postdoctoral appointments at Stanford University and the University of Oxford. In 1972, he was recruited to help build 91ÑÇÉ«'s then-nascent Department of Biology.

Barrie Coukell
Barrie Coukell

He remained at 91ÑÇÉ« until his retirement in 2005. During his career, he conducted research in genetics, biochemistry and developmental biology, studying how cells communicate and coordinate their activities. Using a microorganism as the biological system for his research, his work helped advance understanding of fundamental biological processes.

Coukell was widely regarded as a leader in his field, as was his wife, Anne, an accomplished microbiologist who worked at 91ÑÇÉ« as a research associate and laboratory manager for 28 years. Anne contributed extensively to the laboratory's research activities and co-authored many publications alongside her husband.

Beyond his research achievements, Coukell was deeply respected by colleagues and students alike. He taught large introductory undergraduate courses, offered upper-level biology classes and supervised numerous graduate students throughout his career.

When he received a Faculty of Graduate Studies Teaching Award in 2003, colleagues praised his ability to help students develop as independent researchers by fostering critical and creative thinking, problem-solving skills, perseverance, effective communication and intellectual curiosity.

Former students remember him for his approachability, kindness and unwavering commitment to scientific integrity. Both Coukell and Anne were known for their generosity, often welcoming students into their home and treating them like extended family.

Even after retirement, supporting students remained important to the couple. Through a legacy gift to 91ÑÇÉ«, they established the Milton Barrie Coukell and Anne Maureen Coukell Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students in science and engineering as well as graduate students in 91ÑÇÉ«'s biology program.

In a 2009 interview with 91ÑÇÉ« U Legacies, reflecting on the scholarship and the legacy he hoped to leave, Coukell emphasized the transformative power of education. "It's important to train people to think for themselves; to think critically and scientifically. I can't think of anything more important," he said.

The sentiment reflects a legacy remembered by generations of students whose lives and careers were shaped by Coukell's guidance, generosity and commitment to education.

Besides his commitment to science and to education, Barrie was devoted to his family which besides his wife Anne included his daughter Suzanne, her husband and his granddaughter Kate.

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Passings: David T. McNab /yfile/2026/07/17/passings-david-t-mcnab/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:34:01 +0000 /yfile/?p=408694 Professor Emeritus David T. McNab is remembered for his contributions to Indigenous history and community-engaged scholarship during his time at 91ÑÇÉ« and beyond.

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91ÑÇÉ« Professor Emeritus David T. McNab, a Métis historian, educator and scholar whose work helped advance the study of Indigenous histories, land rights and treaty relationships in Canada, has died.

Over more than two decades at 91ÑÇÉ«, McNab built a reputation as a leading researcher of Indigenous history and Aboriginal land and treaty rights. As a faculty member at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, he taught Indigenous and Canadian studies and helped strengthen understanding of Indigenous perspectives through both teaching and research.

David McNab
David McNab

McNab’s scholarship focused on Indigenous history and literature, Indigenous thought, land and treaty rights, Canadian studies and Ontario history. His work frequently bridged academic inquiry and community knowledge, reflecting long-standing partnerships with First Nations communities and organizations.

Throughout his career, he served as a claims advisor for Nin.Da.Waab.Jig., the Walpole Island Heritage Centre of Bkejwanong First Nation, while also advising a range of First Nations and Indigenous organizations in Ontario and Newfoundland on land rights, treaty and governance matters. His advisory work included collaborations with the Mohawks of Akwesasne, the Algonquins of Golden Lake, the Teme-Augama Anishnabai and several other Indigenous communities.

In addition to publishing more than 80 scholarly articles, McNab authored and edited numerous books that contributed to the fields of Indigenous history and ethnohistory. Notable publications included Earth, Water, Air and Fire: Studies in Canadian Ethnohistory; Circles of Time: Aboriginal Land Rights and Resistance in Ontario; Blockades and Resistance: Studies in Actions of Peace and the Temagami Blockades of 1988-89; Walking a Tightrope: Aboriginal People and their Representations; and The Long Journey of Canada’s Forgotten People: Métis Identities and Family Histories.

His academic journey began with an honours degree in history from Waterloo Lutheran University, followed by a master’s degree in history from McMaster University and a PhD in Indigeneous imperial policy from the University of Lancaster.

At 91ÑÇÉ«, McNab contributed extensively to university governance and academic development. He served as co-chair of the Aboriginal Council and was a member of the Aboriginal Caucus. He also participated in numerous Faculty and departmental committees, including the Academic Petitions and Appeals Committee, curriculum committees and initiatives supporting the development of Indigenous studies and public history programs.

His leadership extended to organizing scholarly gatherings that brought together researchers and communities. Among them were the 2007 Algonquian Conference at 91ÑÇÉ« and an international environmental history workshop developed through a partnership between 91ÑÇÉ« and Bkejwanong First Nation.

Beyond 91ÑÇÉ«, McNab was active in historical and cultural organizations, including the Champlain Society, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and the Friends of the Archives of Ontario. Through these roles, he supported public history initiatives and the preservation and documentation of Indigenous and Canadian histories.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2017, for his bodies of work that "promote First Nations’ and Métis’ stories in Canada’s narratives."

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ute Lischke, his sons and grandson and will be missed by his brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and colleagues. on how to celebrate his life and legacy.

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