M.H.M. (Murdo) MacKinnon, a founding dean of the University of Guelph, died July 8.

A memorial service will take place July 14, 11 a.m., at Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Ave., Guelph, followed by a reception.

MacKinnon joined the University of Guelph in 1964 as the founding dean of Wellington College of Arts and Science. Within a year, he established a full calendar of arts, humanities and social science courses, allowing the University to accept students into the program by fall 1965.

He chaired BA and B.Sc. program committees, served on two building committees, and chaired Senate ceremonials and international studies committees.

In 1970, Wellington College was divided into the College of Arts, the College of Social Science and the College of Physical Science. MacKinnon served as dean of the College of Arts from 1970 to 1975 and as the University’s director of cultural affairs.

The MacKinnon Building is named in his honour.

In 2004, MacKinnon described his arrival in Guelph in an At Guelph column.

MacKinnon was born in Regina and grew up in Toronto. He earned a PhD in English from the University of Toronto.

Honouring his request, a European ash tree will be planted in his memory in the U of G Arboretum.

His family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the River Run school program in Guelph, the Harcourt United Church music fund or Victoria College at the University of Toronto.