John McKellar served on numerous boards, including corporate entities such as CHUM, SportsNet and Netstar Communications.On the eve of his 70th birthday, corporate lawyer and arts patron John McKellar took to the stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto and, to the surprise of the crowd, performed a high-quality tap dance.
After hours, the father of three served on numerous boards, including corporate entities such as CHUM, SportsNet and Netstar Communications. He was an adviser to the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Tax Foundation. His son, the actor and filmmaker Don McKellar, noted his father’s effectiveness at running meetings and managing others. “He could be no nonsense without being officious, which is a real skill.”
The paperwork was due to get the theatre up and running for its first season so, over the phone, Mr. McKellar insisted Mr. Glassco pick a name for the theatre. The founder was cooking, and reached out for his herb jars, choosing tarragon, and made a decision. John Duncan McKellar was born on Oct. 28, 1933, to John, a high school principal, and Vera McKellar. He was the eldest of three, with a brother, Peter and sister, Mary, the youngest.