YORSTON, John Frederic

May 9, 1935 - Sep. 20, 2020

John was born in Montreal May 9, 1935 to Frederic Harrison Yorston and Flora Gladys Mackeen. He died in Montreal on September 20, 2020 after a battle with pneumonia. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia Malcolm, their four children, Michael, Kathy, Karen and Mark; grandchildren Jennifer, Jordan, Mitchell, Ryan, Elias and Natasha; and great-grandchildren Landon, Dylan, Willow, Riley Jade, and Logan. He is also survived by brothers David (Dartmouth N.S.) and Michael (Beaconsfield, Quebec.)

John was a consummate journalist, starting with "The Georgian" newsletter of Sir George Williams College and subsequently writing and/or editing for Canadian Press, The Montreal Star, The Gazette and CBC. His particular interest and expertise was the politics of Quebec which he reported on regularly, without bias, (although he might sometimes offer opinions privately to family or close friends)

His favoured place in Canada was the Mackeen family property, Cargill Farm, in Stillwater, Nova Scotia where he and Sylvia spent their honeymoon and where they often vacationed. John also enjoyed singing, folk in the sixties with his guitar, and later adding his tenor voice to Gilbert & Sullivan light opera. In accordance with John's wishes there will not be a memorial or celebration of his life. A private burial will take place at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal. 30