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It is with deep sadness that the OISE community shares the passing of Professor Emeritus John William MacDonald, who died peacefully on December 5, 2025 at the age of 92. Professor MacDonald served with distinction as Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Toronto from 1981 to 1987. 

Professor MacDonald's scholarly journey exemplified the intellectual curiosity that defines OISE. After earning his Master's degree in English Literature at Carleton University, his growing fascination with the study of language led him to pursue psycholinguistics and complete his Doctorate at Harvard. This interdisciplinary approach perfectly aligned with our institution's mission to bridge theory and practice in education.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, Professor MacDonald demonstrated remarkable dedication to both scholarship and teaching. His work included international guest professorships at Beijing Normal University and Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. Even after being named Professor Emeritus, he continued teaching well into his eighties at OISE, guided by a deep respect for language, collaborative learning, and genuine care for his students.

For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:30 pm in the Chapel of St. Joseph within the funeral home. 

The family has shared the  and has graciously suggested that those wishing to honour Professor MacDonald's memory consider  to OISE in lieu of flowers.

Professor MacDonald will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, and quietly brilliant educator, friend, colleague whose influence continues in the many students he inspired throughout his long and distinguished career.