john_william_bannist

John William Bannister (BCom) retired Secretary of Queen’s University, passed away peacefully in Kingston on Sept. 11. Predeceased by his first wife Betty (Lasenby), John is survived by his widow Eleanor (McGee Shantz), children Patti Cox, Sally Macrae, and David, his stepchildren and their families. John’s Queen’s studies were interrupted by World War II, in which he served as a Lieutenant with the Canadian Army Services Corps. After graduating, he worked in the investment department of the Canada Life Insurance Company in Toronto until Queen’s asked to "borrow" him, thus beginning what became in 1966 a permanent career at his beloved alma mater. He was appointed Secretary of the University and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, remaining in these positions until his retirement in 1984. He served two terms as an alderman on Kingston City Council, was elected to the Board of Education, was President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a Rotarian, a founding member of the Probus Club, a member and Treasurer of the Kingston Historical Society, a member and Director of the Horticultural Society, and a Trustee of St. Margaret’s United Church. John was awarded the University Council’s Distinguished Service Award on his retirement from the University in 1984 and, shortly thereafter, the Kingston Award from the Queen’s Alumni Association. John continued to be very active in retirement and was a benefactor of many local charities.