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DR. JOHN FREELAND TEMPLETON
Born: Mar 06, 1936
Date of Passing: May 13, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. JOHN FREELAND TEMPLETON
Dr. John Freeland Templeton, husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully with his family by his side on May 13, 2026.
John Freeland Templeton was born in Curling (now Corner Brook), Bay of Islands, Newfoundland, the son of Rev. Gordon S. Templeton and Gladys Templeton (nee Oke). After attending the Church of England school, the family moved to St. John's where he completed grades 9 to 11 at Bishop Feild College and subsequently attended Memorial University of Newfoundland. There he received B.Sc. (Hons.) (1956) and M.Sc. degrees (1957), the first Newfoundland student at Memorial to complete both degrees, majoring in chemistry.
Awarded a Rothermere Fellowship, he studied at the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the University of London (England) under the supervision of Professor D. H. R. Barton, later Sir D. H. R. Barton, F.R.S., Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1969. John received the D.I.C. degree of Imperial College and a Ph.D. degree from the University of London, where he later received the D.Sc. degree. After receiving his Ph.D. degree he studied at the University of California (Los Angeles), Brandeis University (Boston), and the School of Pharmacy, University of London (England) before taking up a position of professor at the University of Manitoba. In 1975 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, UK).
John's research was directed towards the study of structure-metabolism relationships and enzyme inhibition of steroids. His research involved the chemical synthesis of steroid derivatives of potential value in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers, and on the cardiotonic structure-activity relationships between the plant cardiac glycosides and hormonal steroids, latterly in relation to an endogenous human steroid equivalent of the cardiac glycosides. John gained an international reputation for his research on the organic and medicinal chemistry of steroids and served on the editorial board of the international journal, STEROIDS. His research has lead to numerous publications in the scientific literature. On his retirement from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, he was made Professor Emeritus.
An avid genealogist, upon retirement John authored three family histories on the Oke Family of Harbour Grace and Dorset, the Rice family of Twillingate and Devon, and the Templeton Family of Twillingate and Scotland, together with family history articles in the Newfoundland Ancestor and other English and Scottish county publications.
He is survived by his wife Meera, son Gordon, daughter-in-law Dana and grandchildren, Naomi and Sydney who were his pride and joy.
We wish to thank his physicians, nurses and the entire support staff for their exemplary care and compassion during his final weeks. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be gathering at a later date to celebrate his life.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2026
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I met John when we both volunteered at HIGH STEPPERS SENIOR’S CLUB. He was a quiet guy always ready with a smile. Russ called him the “ professor “. I have many photos of John and I which I treasure! Meera and I met several times at Fabricland since we both shared a common interest in fabric. Even though John and I didn’t get to visit much since the HIGH STEPPERS days, we did chat on the phone. I will miss my friend very much. Thank you John for introducing me to Genealogy. - Posted by: Wendy Morier (Friend) on: Jun 01, 2026
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We were very saddened to hear of John's passing. We will always remember the family dinners we had with John and Meera. The various dishes had a wide range, from the Arctic to Newfoundland, and all the way to India. The guy had a great sence of humour and we always enjoyed the good food and laughs toghther. We will miss John and we are sure glad that we got to know him. To the family, we want to give our sincere condolences. Friends Andy and Linda - Posted by: Andy Maurakis/Linda Olson (FriendsW) on: May 31, 2026
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Met John @ “High Steppers” seniors group. He was one of the most admired people there We talked often and found we both like bowling. Once in a while we’d go after our group session for a game or two of bowling (Dakota lanes). Fascinating person and so grounded. Thanks John for the privilege of your friendship. Russell Staines - Posted by: Russell Staines (Friend) on: May 30, 2026
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I had the opportunity to work with Uncle John when I was a medical student in Dr. James Orr’s laboratory at Memorial University. John was there on sabbatical working with Dr. Orr. John was a fascinating man with whom I got to discuss science, humanity, and course family history. He had a great sense of humour. It was interesting to have a relationship with him as an adult. I was fortunate enough to speak with him in the weeks before his passing. My deepest condolences are extended to Meera, Gordon and the rest of his family. - Posted by: Peter Rockwood (Nephew) on: May 30, 2026