John Meagher died of complications from gastrointestinal illness Aug. 25, 2003, in Toronto. He was 68.
Meagher, professor emeritus of English and religion at the U. of Toronto (St. Michael's College) and the Toronto School of Theology, was a remarkable scholar, beloved by many. Hailed as one of the most brilliant students to graduate from Notre Dame in the 1950s, Meagher earned two PhDs in quick succession, the first at the U. of London, the second at Princeton in English, and in midlife received yet a third in religion from McMasters U.
Continuing his scholarly interests in Renaissance theater and Shakespearean dramaturgy, he delved into study of New Testament theology and the rethinking or, as he called it, the "truing" of Christianity. He wrote many articles and books, the latest of which, Pursuing Shakespearean Dramaturgy, is considered indispensable to the field.
Meagher supplemented his professional interests with vocational turns at composing music, writing poetry and short stories, and sleuthing through the history of coins.
He is survived by five children.