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John Jenkins
Laurier mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus John Jenkins

Laurier mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus John Jenkins

Sept. 21, 2023

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Wilfrid Laurier University mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus John Jenkins, a retired professor and former dean in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. John passed away on Aug. 11, 2023. He was 95 years old.

John joined Laurier in 1970 as the dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, then known as the School of Business and Economics. Under John’s leadership, the university launched its cooperative education and Master of Business Administration programs, two hallmark offerings at Laurier. John served as dean until 1974 and retired from Laurier in 1992.

John was born near Cardiff, Wales in 1928. He arrived in Canada in 1951 to pursue a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Toronto, completing his studies there in 1953. He went on to obtain doctoral degrees from Harvard Business School and Oxford University.

During his career, John contributed to nine books, created two marketing simulation games, and authored several business cases and articles. His work has been translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, French, German and Welsh. John also held visiting professor appointments in Australia, China, England, New Zealand and Wales.

John was predeceased by his wife Frances (Betty) and daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Kidnie. He is survived by his son John Craig Jenkins, daughter Anne and her husband Stephen Turner, his son-in-law Peter Kidnie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and many friends. A celebration of John’s life was held Aug. 24, 2023, in Monterey, California, where he resided.

As Laurier mourns the loss of John, the university is focused on offering support and ensuring the well-being of students, faculty and staff. Laurier reminds students, staff and faculty of the support services available:

  • Student Wellness Centres: 548.889.3239 (Waterloo), 519.756.8228 x5803 (Brantford) or wellness@wlu.ca.
  • Here 24/7: 1.844.437.3247
  • Delton Glebe Counselling Centre: 519.884.3305 or glebecentre@wlu.ca.
  • Dean of Students’ Office: deanofstudentswl@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or deanofstudentsbr@wlu.ca (Brantford).
  • Laurier Human Resources employee and family assistance program: 1.800.663.1142
  • Laurier's Special Constable Service: 519.885.3333 (Waterloo) or 519.770.3778 (Brantford).
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