Barristers and Solicitors
John has retired from D'Arcy & Deacon LLP after practicing law for 55 years. John grew up in Winnipeg and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1967. He articled with his father, Ivan J.R. Deacon, Q.C., at Swift MacLeod Deacon and Kirby, where he later became an associate.
In 1969 John joined Qualico Construction as corporate counsel, where he completed the first condominium project in Manitoba. In 1970, he rejoined his father's firm, and in 1972, that firm became D'Arcy & Deacon LLP.
During his practice, John was retained by the Manitoba Law Reform Commission to prepare the simplified mortgage form and he served clients in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for over 30 years. He was the first lawyer to represent the Winnipeg Hospital Authority and Winnipeg Long Term Care Authority (now known as the WHRA). He was responsible for the agreement which merged seven Winnipeg hospitals under a single authority.
In 1967, John was appointed a Senator of Junior Chamber International. In 1994, he received an honourary degree of Fellow from St. John's College, and in 1997, he was appointed Queen's Counsel.
John is an active member of his community, serving as registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Rupert's Land for 20 years and sitting on the board for the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. He also served as a board member for the Grace General Hospital, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Council of St. John's College, the University of Manitoba Alumni Association, and Big Brothers Association of Winnipeg.
D'Arcy & Deacon thanks John for his contributions to the firm and its legacy and wishes him all the best in his retirement.