DONALD JAMES MCCARTHY

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Don was my father’s mentor. My father succeeded Don as Dean of Arts at U of Manitoba and they worked closely for many years. My father attributed his success to Don’s mentorship and support. Don had a wicked sense of humour. A nice man. - Posted by: Andrew Stambrook (Colleague of my father’s ) on: Dec 03, 2024

• When I returned to university in 1964, one of my first experiences in the hallowed halls of St. Paul’s College was being utterly nonplussed by a booming, infectious laugh. I was supposed to be studying economics and commerce, but I couldn’t resist finding out who owned such exuberance. A professor? You’ve got to be kidding me. I enrolled in his first-year philosophy class on the spot, a decision that would change my life. On the first day, the class was unusually boisterous. A group of students was animatedly discussing the daring robbery of a substantial bullion from an Air Canada cargo plane the night before. They admired the thieves’ boldness and speculated about their chances of getting away with it. Professor McCarthy swept into the room, his imposing presence and booming voice quieting the chatter. Intrigued by their excitement, he began asking a series of probing questions about their judgments. His questions peeled back layers of assumptions and values over several classes, challenging their perspectives until they were stumped. Finally, he asked, “Have you consulted others?” The students explained that they had—friends, parents, even other professors. Professor McCarthy smiled and asked, “What about the greatest thinkers who have ever lived?” And just like that, we were introduced to Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and others. It was a wonderful, unforgettable introduction to understanding what it means to be a good or moral person. And it was just one of the many ways Don McCarthy’s brilliance and wit left an indelible mark on all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Don’s love of a good laugh was as integral to his character as his intellect. Every time we met, he would ask, “Have you heard a good one recently?” I’ll never forget the joke he pulled on me during a special seminar I took with him. I was the only student, but my final exam was held in a room filled with others taking various tests. As we were leaving, he turned to me with a grin and said, “Without even looking at your paper, I can tell you right now—you finished last!” And then came that booming laugh, the same one that welcomed me on my very first day. Don McCarthy was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend, but most of all, he was a fine example of the kind of person we all strive to be. I’ll miss him deeply. - Posted by: Jim Gannon (Student and Friend) on: Nov 25, 2024

• Sad to hear of the passing of Prof. McCarthy, a lovely man and excellent professor. I took his challenging course in Logic at St. Paul's College in the early 1980s, one of the best university classes I ever took. I barely passed but that was entirely my own fault! - Posted by: Christopher Albi (former student) on: Nov 24, 2024

• I too was one of Dean McCarthy’s students. He tried valiantly to teach me Aristotle. He was a marvelous professor. After the final exam he waited outside of the classroom and shook each of our hands. What a class act! I remember seeing him reading in the last pew during mass. He loved scholarship that much and no one says you can’t read during the service. He was there, which was all that mattered. - Posted by: Jill Duncan (Former student) on: Nov 23, 2024

• I was one of Dr. McCarthy’s students in 2 of his courses at St. Paul’s College in the ‘60’s and have never forgotten his wisdom, patience and love for his students. He was truly inspirational for this rural student and I still read or reread the books he assigned. He left a lasting legacy and I offer condolences to his family. - Posted by: Wayne Selby (Former student) on: Nov 23, 2024