Announcement - Graeme D. McDonald, July 17, 1944

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing away of Dr. Graeme Donald McDonald, former president and chief executive officer of The Banff Centre. Graeme died in the early morning hours of December 8, from complications stemming from the treatment of leukemia. He was surrounded by love and in the arms of his wife, Susan Lynch McDonald, and his five children.

Graeme served as president and CEO of The Banff Centre from 1993 until his retirement due to health reasons in May 2001. During his eight years at the helm, Graeme navigated The Banff Centre through the financially challenging times of the 1990s, while still managing to develop leading-edge programs. He was especially proud of launching the Mountain Culture programming division in 1994, as well as the development of the very successful Creative Edge fund raising campaign, a program designed to generate the revenue needed to attain his vision for the Centre. The Creative Edge campaign raised $17 million to develop the infrastructure and facilities needed to establish a viable conference business, which now attracts over 30,000 delegates annually and generates essential operating revenue. The Creative Edge campaign also supported the development of the innovative Music & Sound building, with its dramatic Rolston Recital Hall.

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Graeme D. McDonald
C.M., C.D., Ph.D
July 17, 1944 - December 8, 2001

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Graeme’s innovative and supportive leadership inspired and influenced the development of many significant programs including: the Canadian Arts Summit, the New Media Institute, the development of many new works in the Arts, the Mountain Book Festival, and the Best of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. He also encouraged the growth of existing programs including the Banff International String Quartet Competition, The Banff Centre Press, the Banff Mountain Film Festival, and programs within the management and leadership programming division. Under his leadership, in 1999, the Centre received the designation of National Training Institute by the Department of Canadian Heritage. This designation acknowledges the leadership role the Centre plays across the county and marked the first time in history that the federal government formally recognized the Centre as a national organization.

In July 2000, in recognition of his contribution to the area of education in Canada, Graeme was named a member of the Order of Canada by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada

"Graeme and his wife Susan loved The Banff Centre and gave their very best to advance its goals," says Mary E. Hofstetter president and CEO of The Banff Centre. "They attended almost every performance and event, entertained artists and leaders around the world in their home, and always enjoyed the many young staff who worked at the Centre. We will all greatly miss Graeme, for his quick wit, keen sense of humour, absolute fondness for mental jousting, and his kind heart and feisty spirit. Our hearts and prayers are with Susan and the rest of Graeme’s family."

A "Celebration of Life" to honour Graeme will be held Saturday December 15th at 1:00pm, at the EPCOR Centre for The Performing Arts, the Jack Singer lobby, 205 8th Avenue SE; Calgary. Donations may be made to any of the following: The Tom Baker Cancer Centre; The Susan & Graeme McDonald Music Scholarship Fund, at The Banff Centre; or the donation of a unit of blood or registering for the unrelated stem cell donor list, both administered by the Canadian Blood Services.

Click here for background bio on Graeme McDonald, C.M., C.D., Ph.D

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The Banff Centre is Canada's only learning centre dedicated to the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. Programs are designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre's unique mountain setting and multidisciplinary environment foster a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.