Prof. John Macfarlane

I am writing to inform you that Professor John Macfarlane passed away peacefully in Guelph, Ontario on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Prof. Macfarlane was an Associate Professor and then Professor in Physics at Mount Allison from 1965-1991, including a term as department head.

The recipient of the Herbert and Leota Tucker Teaching Award in 1991, he also served as Financial Aid Officer, Acting Associate Dean, and Assistant to the President at Mount Allison. Prior to coming to Mount Allison Professor Macfarlane was part of the research team at Defence Research Board Valcartier, Quebec that developed the high power TEA CO2 laser, a major Canadian scientific achievement. He made significant contributions to education in the developing world, working with CIDA and other organizations. He served terms as Dean of Science and Principal at University College in Ethiopia, as Physics Department Head at University College of Science Education in Ghana and as Vice-Rector at Université Nationale de Rwanda. The Vatican awarded him the Knight Commander of the order of St. Gregory (KCSG), their highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the development of education in Africa. For many years he was Mount Allison's representative for Canadian Crossroads International and WUSC.

Prof. Macfarlane will be remembered by his colleagues and former students as a caring, innovative and effective teacher who taught with passion and energy.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Donations to the Canadian Crossroads International, 49 Bathurst Street, Suite 201, Toronto, ON M5V 2P2,www.cciorg.ca would be appreciated by the family.

Robert M. Campbell, Ph.D
President and Vice-Chancellor