John William MacLeod

June 3^rd, 1922 in Quebec City --- February 16^th, 2021 in Ottawa

After a long and full life, John William MacLeod passed away peacefully at The Edinburgh Retirement Residence in his 99^th year.  Husband and best friend to the late Joan Louise Lister Baxter (October 2016) for almost 58 years. Joan was the former women’s commentator at radio station CFRA. Predeceased by daughter Margot Joan, parents James Ross and Isabella Lucy Wilhelmina Black.  Survived by sons John Ross Baxter, Kenneth Haydn Baxter, granddaughter Eva, and grandson Justin. Brother-in-law Kenneth (Donna), Niece Catherine (John), Nephew Donald (Suzanne) along with other family members and friends.   

Born and raised in Quebec City, John graduated from McGill University with a B.Sc. majoring in geology. He also worked briefly for the Quebec Department of Mines and undertook post-graduate work at the University of Toronto. This led to a career in business journalism where he contributed to publications such as Canadian Business, Textile World, Northern Miner and others. In 1950 he joined National Business Publications in Gardenvale, Que. where he served as Managing Editor of Canadian Mining Journal and Canadian Oil and Gas Industries. In 1951 he joined the federal Department of Mines & Technical Surveys and was soon appointed Chief of the Editorial and Information Division. In 1973, John moved to Labour Canada as Deputy Director of Public Relations, becoming Director the following year. He later served in that position with the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

Over the years John chaired a number of professional and governmental committees on public relations, publishing, and professional standards. He organized and conducted orientation courses for newly hired government communications officers at various levels. On two occasions he was seconded from his department to head the media relations team for the annual meetings of the Prime Minister and provincial premiers. He was an active member of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Canadian Public Relations Society, and the National Press Club.

As per John’s wishes, there will not be a funeral.  A private interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated.