Dr. W. John McDonald, 1936-2026
John became active in astronomy in 2005 when he found some RASC Victoria Centre members who were equally passionate about observing the night sky visually and capturing images through cameras, lenses and telescopes as he was. It didn’t take him long to volunteer to lead the Astronomy Cafe, moving this popular event from members’ basement rec rooms to a community meeting room in Fairfield. A few years later, John was volunteering again, this time to serve as Victoria Centre’s president from 2008-2011.
During his time in Victoria, John McDonald became our centre’s most skilled astrophotographer in the early days of digital imaging. John enjoyed sharing his knowledge, and many Victoria Centre members owe their astrophotography skills to him. John’s skill in photography became so well known that he was asked to travel far afield to teach astrophotography courses for the International Space University. He also provided important technical guidance to the development of the Victoria Centre Observatory, and his knowledge will be missed.
John was raised in Taber in Southern Alberta. The University of Alberta summed up his academic career this way: “W. John McDonald received his MSc from the University of Saskatchewan and PhD from the University of Ottawa. His long career in the University of Alberta’s Department of Physics began in 1962 and continued after 2002, when he was made a Professor Emeritus. Dr. McDonald was also involved in University administration and was Dean of Science for nearly ten years from 1982 to 1991. In 1991, he became Vice-President (Academic) and held this position for the next three years. In 1994 and 1995, McDonald served as Acting President of the University of Alberta.”
John was not an astrophysicist. He was a particle physicist, and even in retirement, he was a familiar figure in places like the CERN particle accelerator in Europe. He eagerly shared his passion for science, especially physics, astronomy and particle physics. John took advantage of extensive travels to pursue astronomy from remote locations, often capturing breathtaking night sky photos and eclipses.
Always the passionate scientist, John was also involved in amateur research as it relates to astronomy and astrophysics. He enjoyed the social aspects of being involved in one of Canada’s venerable Learned Societies, attending conferences, general meetings and star parties. As Victoria Centre President, he encouraged other members to participate and contribute to the mission of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
When John and his wife Wendy retired to Victoria, he was still the teacher as a lifelong physics professor from the University of Alberta. He was known for making engaging presentations at the retirement communities he and Wendy lived at in their later years. Members of RASC Victoria who had the opportunity to interact with John will miss his expertise and engaging good humour.
John’s gallery of astronomical images
John’s participation in RASC Victoria – an extensive collection
Remembering John – 37 minutes of members’ memories of John – Jan 19, 2026 Astronomy Cafe
Memories of John
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was incredible in so many ways and is a profound loss, both on a personal level and for the society.
Thinking of him over the past two days two things stuck with me; for all of John’s incredible intellect it was always matched by his generosity of knowledge and encouragement. Whether it was asking an insightful question about physics following a talk, sharing experimental methodology learned at CERN to help troubleshoot a VCO issue or digging into the nuance of astrophotography, John always offered a helping hand. He was a remarkable individual who made my time with the RASC better for every interaction.
Dan Posey, President, RASC Victoria
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a kind , intelligent man. I first got know John when COVID struck in 2020, when (he) started and chaired the Astrophotography SIG on line.
I am so glad that at last year’s Annual Awards Night I was able to thank John for all the inspiration he gave us all, and for helping me to understand the complexities of, and the rewards one can get from astrophotography.
Thanks John!
Ron Fisher
I first met John 20 years ago in the brass section of the Greater Victoria Concert Band, and was delighted to catch up with him again a few years ago in RASC. He was always so charming, amiable, and kind, and I loved his gentle but perceptive sense of humour.
John was a really nice guy – and a pretty good trumpet player too!
Jill Sinkwich
Like other Victoria Centre members, I got to know and appreciate John when he and Wendy moved to Victoria upon his retirement from the University of Alberta. He helped me by processing photos I took previously on the Plaskett Telescope, and gave me some food for thought that I called on when writing about the Hubble Space Telescope.
John continued his astronomical pursuits even after he and Wendy moved from Fairfield to the seniors residences at Ross Place and Berwick Royal Oak for their final years. He gave talks on astronomy and physics to his fellow residents, and even invited others, including me, to give talks on science.
John will be missed by me and many other members of our centre, but he leaves a legacy in the form of the VCO and in many great astro images.Chris Gainor
Another huge loss to our Centre, his friends and family. John was a true gentleman in all senses of the word. He will be missed so much.
Lauri Roche
We met John McDonald for the first time back in 2008 when a group of RASC Victoria members were planning events for the following year’s International Year of Astronomy 2009. I recall with warmth his bright-eyed enthusiasm for my late husband’s “Organiverse” series that formed part of the celebrations, and for John’s quiet but friendly nature. Rest in peace, John!
Natasha van Bentum
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I felt he was a friend and mentor of/to each of us.
Mike Webb
John was a true gentleman and role model for many of us. He was always genuinely interested in how you were doing. John and his wife, Wendy, visited my wife, Lynette, and me several times in Arizona when we went there for the winters. With a little prodding, he would regale us of his adventures as an accomplished pilot flying his beloved Beechcraft Bonanza with Wendy navigating. He was a talented Physicist and builder of instruments at CERN. As an academic leader at the University of Alberta as Professor of Physics, Dean of Science, Vice President (Academic), Acting President and Professor Emeritus.
He was greatly appreciated and will be missed by many of us.
Garry Sedun
John and I shared a passion for astronomy, photography, aviation and travel. I will miss his amazing knowledge of physics, his common sense attitude, and his superb teaching skills. We shared many travel adventures together, some with his wife Wendy…a good friend who I will remember fondly.
John’s legacy for RASC Victoria Centre during his term as our President was his concerted effort to involve more women both in leadership roles and as long-term members.
Joe Carr