Malcolm Murray (Mack) Laing
Died: September 30, 2006 | Place: Chelsey Park Retirement Community
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Obituary
LAING, Mack (Malcolm Murray)
On September 30, 2006 at the age of 74 after complications of heart disease.
Survived by his wife Anne-Liis (Keskula), daughter Liisa (residing in Thailand), son Peter (residing in Vancouver), daughter-in-law Sharon and grandchildren Rachel and Sarah. Predeceased by his parents Peter and Annie (Murray). Retired professor of Journalism at The University of Western Ontario. Member of The London City Press Club and dedicated to its survival. Cremation has taken place. Wake to be held October 7, 2006 from 2p.m.- 6 p.m. at The London City Press Club, 379 Dundas Street, London. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. 519-433-5184. Memorial donations may be made to The London City Press Club, 379 Dundas Street, London N6B 1V5 . On line condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca
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To Mack’s family – I am but one of the thousands of J-students who will always remember Mack as one of the best. He helped me get my first piece into the Globe and Mail, and was probably quite relieved when I went into radio, instead of writing for newspapers. Through 12 years in CBC Radio current affairs it was always Mack’s wisdom and humour I recalled from those days at Western. Wish I could be at the press club tomorrow to hoist a few in his honour. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. You have lost a great man. Barbara Binczyk, Victoria BC. Class of ’81.
I have such fond memories of Mack, although I will admit my first reaction to him was fear. I mistook his somewhat gruff shyness to be a mean streak. I quickly realized, however, that he was a pussy cat, UNLESS he had a red grease pencil in his hand. Oh, the quaking and quivering as he bent over one’s copy, slashing away with that red pencil, occasionally glancing up through those eyebrows to make a point. If only we had had spell check back then! I liked how he focussed on the basics, on the five Ws that remain the basis of everything despite the current fascination with fancy ways of writing, and graphics and presebntation and what-not. The late Jeff Dickins, a Western Journalism grad and sports writer at The Spectator, did a great Mack Laing impression– head down, feet moving, hands in pocket, glancing up through the eyebrows, shy smile. I miss Jeff, and now I will miss Mack, too.
Mack Laing was a fine individual and great colleague in the journalism school at Western. He was a man of few words, but you only had to talk briefly with Mack to recognize his insight and understanding of issues academic and otherwise. Besides his considerable talents as a writer and editor, Mack always seemed to show a graciousness and sensitivity on important matters. Mack made an enormous contribution to journalism education at Western. He educated many graduates who learned a great deal under him. As a fellow faculty member, Mack has left numerous fond memories and a gentle reminder of the importance of tight, lean journalistic writing that touches people. His memoriam at the London City Press Club was a great tribute to the man and the journalist.
I would like to express my condolences to the entire Laing family. Liisa, you will not remember meeting me, but Mack talked about you quite often and was so proud of you and your work in Thailand. It was either Christmas 1993 or maybe the spring of 1994 that you came home for a visit and he told the class that he would be taking you to the Grad Pub for a drink. I think about 10 of us were there that night and you made Thailand sound so exciting that I applied for a job there as soon as I graduated. I ended up working for the Bangkok Post for 3 years (1995-1998).
Best wishes,
Sarah Brown (Class of 94)
I’m very sorry to hear of Mack’s passing. He was a great man and a great teacher. I think of him often and feel like a fool because I didn’t spend more time talking to him after I graduated.
I only just learned of Mack’s passing and wish to express my condolences to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of learning about the fundamentals of journalism under Mack in 1983-84 and remember him fondly because of his affable but forthright manner. He was one of those rare, truly genuine individuals you meet early in your career who gives you the direction and support you need to know that you can actually do this thing called journalism. He is one of the role models I think back on when talking to journalism students and training young reporters in this ever changing business. Here’s to you Mack!