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John McDonald, a Canadian physicist and academic administrator, died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1936, he earned degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD from the University of Ottawa.
He joined the University of Alberta’s Department of Physics in 1962 and specialized in sub-atomic physics and particle detection techniques. He served as dean of science from 1982 to 1992, vice president (academic) from 1991 to 1994, and acting president from 1994 to 1995. He was made professor emeritus in 2002. McDonald married Wendy Macleod in 1961 and had three children.
Wallace John McDonald (September 29, 1936 – January 17, 2026) was a Canadian physicist and academic administrator. He served as acting president of the University of Alberta from 1994 to 1995. He was educated at the University of Saskatchewan (BSc 1959, MSc 1961) and University of Ottawa (PhD 1964). A physicist, he specialized in sub-atomic physics and particle detection techniques. He joined the University of Alberta’s Department of Physics in 1962 as a professor. From 1982 to 1992, he was the Dean of Science, and from 1991 to 1994, he was vice president (academic) of the university. He was made professor emeritus in 2002. He married Wendy Macleod in 1961 and has three children. He died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 89.