Dr. John S. Mothersill passed away peacefully December 9, 2024, in Victoria, BC. He was born March 24, 1931, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Predeceased by his only son, John Edward in 1999, and sister Joan in 2021. John is survived by his wife Diane and stepchildren Bill (Marita) and Jane (Carmine); grandchildren, William, Michael, Nigel and Simon; and great granddaughter Erin.
John valued education and was a lifelong learner and researcher. He attended Lisgar Collegiate, Royal Military College Kingston class of ’52, earned a BSc in Physics and Mathematics at Carleton University ’53, and a BSc in Geological Engineering at Queen’s University Kingston ’56. John lived an adventurous early life, working and travelling in Africa as an exploration Geologist for Standard Oil and as Senior Geologist for Mobil International Oil in Turkey, Nigeria, France and Columbia before returning to Queens to complete his Ph.D. in Geology in 1964.
John settled at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, as an associate professor of Geology in 1966, and by 1975 was Dean of Science. In 1984, John and Diane moved to Victoria, BC, where John accepted the role of Principal at Royal Roads Military College. Despite a successful tenure vested in expanding programs and supporting student success, he was to be the last principal due to federal budge decisions and oversaw the eventual closure of RRMC and transition to Royal Roads University in 1995.
John extended his expertise to a variety of projects including the Executive Committee of the Council of Deans of Arts and Science of Ontario, Chairman of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Board, member of the Protection and Conservation Advisory Committee for CRD Parks Victoria and the Royal Roads Military Heritage Committee to name but a few.
John travelled the world with Diane, researching and extracting cores in the Great Lakes and the lakes of West Africa, presenting research papers internationally, and exploring new corners of the world as a team.
John will be remembered as an effective leader, research scientist, teacher, golfer, friend, animal lover, and most importantly, as a father and family man.
Donations to the SPCA or Victoria Humane Society in John’s name are the most welcome.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Austen Cambon
-
Don Cook Diane, we are sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our memories go back to grad school at Queen’s University, and more recently, in Victoria.
You are in our thoughts,
Don and Jan Cook
-
LYNNE ROELOFSON JOHN’S OBITUARY IS A WONDERFUL OVERVIEW OF HIS DEDICATION TO EDUCATION, RESEARCH, THE SCIENCE OF GEOLOGY AND TO HIS LOVE OF FAMILY. (AND ANIMALS!)
WITH CONDOLENCES FROM AN ADMIRER
Some of us who had John as a Classmate at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston more than 70 years ago remember him as a superb boxer. John’s Obituary is a splendid chronicle of his remarkable and unique life. We would also come to know John as Dr. Mothersill, Principal of Royal Roads Military College in Victoria BC..What a life filled with adventure and achievement. Well done comrade! Our sincere sympathy to Diana and the Mothersill family. Austen
Austen Cambon, Class Secretary, Class of Royal Roads 1952 / RMC 1954.