Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. John Hardie Dr. John Hardie of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away on March 20, 2026, at age 84. Dr. Hardie will be remembered as a respected clinician, academic, researcher and mentor whose contributions to oral medicine and hospital dentistry in Canada spanned decades. He was recognized by colleagues for his professional accomplishments, but also for the integrity, precision and collegiality he brought to the many roles he undertook. A dentistry graduate of the University of Glasgow in Scotland in 1963, Dr. Hardie began his professional career as a dental officer in the Royal Air Force before emigrating to Canada in 1966. He went on to hold a number of senior clinical and academic positions, including associate professor at the University of Alberta, chief of dentistry at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, head of dentistry at the North West Armed Forces and National Guard Hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and clinical director of the Down Lisburn Health Trust in Northern Ireland. With a PhD in oral medicine, Dr. Hardie was widely respected for his scholarly work and published extensively on oral medicine and infection control. His career reflected a deep commitment to advancing standards in patient care, hospital dentistry and clinical education. Dr. Hardie’s colleagues valued his long-standing service to his profession. He served on the board of the William J. Spence International College of Dentists (ICD) Memorial Foundation in 2012 and acted as its secretary with diligence and professionalism. Dr. Drew Smith, editor and treasurer of ICD Canadian Section, served on the Foundation board with Dr. Hardie. “In his role as secretary, John was meticulous in recording the business of the Foundation,” recalls Dr. Smith. “His presence on the board was invaluable, as he reviewed each grant application rigorously to ensure approved applications met the highest mission standards.” Dr. Hardie was also appreciated for his warmth and wit. “John was proud of his Scottish heritage, and he retained the lilt of his accent,” adds Dr. Smith. Friends and colleagues fondly remembered his humour during conference calls and how he would conclude those conversations with a hearty “Slàinte mhath,” wishing good health to all. Dr. Hardie was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary (2019) and is survived by daughters Adele and Julia, their husbands, Mitsuo and Scott, and grandchildren, Emma, Adam, and Kian. 38 | 2026 | Issue 3 Obituaries
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