Wallace John McDonald

Biography of Dr. Wallace John McDonald (1936–2026)

Dr. Wallace John McDonald—known to many simply as John—lived a life shaped by curiosity, rigor, and a deep love of learning. Born on September 29, 1936, in Lethbridge, Alberta, he grew up in nearby Taber, where his early fascination with how the world works quietly took root—so much so that as a boy he reportedly ran out of reading material after reading every single book in the Taber library.

John pursued engineering and physics with characteristic focus, earning degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Ottawa. In 1965, he joined the faculty of the University of Alberta, where he spent much of his career as a physicist, researcher, and academic leader.

A particle physicist by training, John built an internationally respected research career in nuclear and particle physics. His work took him to leading laboratories around the world, including Rutherford Laboratory in the UK, TRIUMF in Vancouver, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in California, Laboratoire National Saturne in France, MIT, and CERN in Geneva. He authored or co-authored more than 250 scientific publications and remained intellectually engaged with physics and cosmology throughout his life.

Alongside his research and teaching, John served in several senior leadership roles at the University of Alberta, including Chair of the Department of Physics, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Vice-President and Provost, and Acting President. He also contributed widely through service to professional organizations in Canada and internationally, including the Institute of Physics (UK), the Canadian Association of Physicists (as past president), the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and TRIUMF.

Beyond academia, John’s curiosity found expression in many pursuits. As a young man he built and flew model airplanes, later becoming a pilot and aircraft owner. He enjoyed travelling and camping with his family. Music was a lifelong pleasure—he sang in choirs and played trumpet in community bands. In retirement, astronomy became a particular joy. Though not an astrophysicist by profession, John embraced observational astronomy and astrophotography with enthusiasm, producing striking images of the night sky and eclipses, and sharing his knowledge generously with others.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Wendy Althea McDonald.

He is survived by his daughters Joan Blackman (Larry Blackman), Sheila McDonald (Jeremy Berkman) and Ruth McDonald (Gordon Webster); his sister Donna Tewksbury; his grandsons Jonathan, Augwin and Anthony; and his great grand-daughter Tess.

John will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for his lifelong curiosity, generosity of spirit, and enduring interest in the world around him—qualities that shaped both his professional life and his family life.