Donald Deacon
| Donald Deacon | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Ontario MPP | |
|
In office 1967–1975 |
|
| Preceded by | New riding |
| Succeeded by | Alfred Stong |
| Constituency | York Centre |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
April 24, 1920 Toronto, Ontario |
| Died | September 16, 2003 (aged 83) Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse(s) | Florence Campbell |
| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Canadian |
| Service/branch | Royal Canadian Artillery |
| Years of service | 1942-1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Donald MacKay Deacon OC OPEI MC (April 24, 1920 – September 16, 2003) was a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1967 to 1975 who represented the riding of York Centre.
Deacon was born and raised in a family of ten children in Toronto, Ontario and attended the University of Toronto Schools. In 1942, he volunteered to serve in the 3rd Medium Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II, rising to the rank of Captain. Deacon, a Forward Observation Officer, travelled with front line infantry in order to direct artillery fire via radio transmission. In later years, he often commented at how accurately George G. Blackburn had captured the role of a FOO in his book The Guns of Normandy.
Deacon was mentioned in dispatches as his Battery fought its way across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and into Germany. He was awarded the Military Cross for risking his life to save soldiers under fire when his radio failed. King George VI was to present Deacon with the Military Cross. After six months helping to re-build post-war life in Holland, instead of heading to England, Deacon chose to accept passage on the first ship home to Canada. His military service ended safely as he walked up to his parent's home on Christmas morning 1945.
Following the war, Deacon married Florence Campbell, sister of his best friend John Campbell. They moved to Deacon's family farm outside of Unionville, Ontario where they raised a family of six (Campbell, David, Martha, Douglas, Richard and Colin). He was one of the founders of Markham Stouffville Hospital and also served as president of the Canadian Club of Toronto. Deacon spent most of his working career in business in the financial sector, serving as chair of F.H. Deacon Hodgson Ltd.
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