The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from October 26 - 30, 2023 in remembrance of Brian McDonald, former assistant to President Walter Johns and former associate vice president, academic administration.
Brian passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2023 and will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughter Julie McDonald and grandchildren Jack, Mallory, Jocelyn and Sydney; son Scott McDonald (Cynthia Puddu) and grandchildren Gabi and Dani. He was predeceased by his wife Lorraine McDonald (nee Donais).
Brian's ties to the University of Alberta were many. He coached the University of Alberta Junior Golden Bears and assisted with the Senior Golden Bears hockey teams throughout the 1960s, and head-coached the Senior Golden Bears for the 1969/70 season. In 1961, he accepted a position as assistant to the president of the University of Alberta, where he gratefully remained for the rest of his professional career. He retired in December 1997 as associate vice president, academic administration, though provided consulting services as needed post-retirement. Brian loved working at the University of Alberta, of which he spoke frequently, and made numerous life-long friendships there. As described to us by a beloved colleague and friend: Brian always thought of how he could make things better for others, and for the university of which he was a part; he was central to the well-being of the University of Alberta for decades.
Read the original obituary for Brian McDonald
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.