John G. Cragg *65

John died Nov. 5, 2025, of cancer in Delta, British Columbia. 

He was born in Toronto May 3, 1937, and earned his undergraduate degree from McGill in 1958. He studied economics at Trinity College, Cambridge, and earned another undergraduate degree in 1960. John earned a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton in 1965. While in graduate school he married Olga, who was also studying for a Ph.D. 

John’s first academic position was as an assistant professor at the University of Chicago. After three years, he moved to the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he was appointed full professor in 1972. His scholarly interests and publications were in econometrics, financial economics, and social programs. Under John’s tutelage as chair, the economics department grew. His desire to make a difference in society was fulfilled when he became director of research, prices, and income commission in Ottawa from 1969 to 1972. 

During his time at UBC, John enjoyed sabbaticals in Oxford, London, Paris and Aix-en-Provence. He retired from UBC at 65 when retirement was mandatory, which he described as being “fired.” 

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Olga; sons Michael ’86 and Philip; and grandchildren Max, Nina, Kobe, Jack, and Reid. 

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.