Deutsch, John James

Person

Deutsch, John James

1911-1976

John James Deutsch (1911-1976), Queen's 14th principal (1968-1974), was also a Queen's graduate; but in between he spent over 20 years away from his alma mater, rising to prominence in the federal public service. Born the eldest of 17 children on a farm near Quinton, Saskatchewan, Deutsch was the only one of his family to receive a formal education: he was educated at a Regina high school and at Queen's (BCom 1935). Over 20 years of distinguished public service followed: as a member of the research department of the Bank of Canada (1936-1942); as a special assistant in External Affairs (1942-1944); as director of the International Economic Relations Division of the Department of Finance (1944-1953); and as Secretary of the Treasury Board (1954-1956). In addition he was a member of numerous royal commissions, commissions of inquiry, and advisory commissions. In 1959, after three years as Head of the Department of Economics at UBC, Deutsch was recruited to Queen's by Principal W.A. Mackintosh to overhaul the university's financial management and administration. He served as Vice-Principal (Administration) and professor of economics until 1963, when he was recruited to Ottawa again for another important assignment – this time as founding chair of the Economic Council of Canada. He returned to Queen's in 1967 as Principal-designate and in 1968 was appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor, remaining in these positions until 1974. Dr. Deutsch died at Kingston in 1976.

During his distinguished career Dr. Deutsch received honorary degrees from seventeen Canadian universities. Other awards and honors included a Vanier Medal (1968), Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada (1968), Companion of the Order of Canada (1969), the John Orr Award (1969) and the Molson Prize (1973).

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