On May 12, 1986, Frederick F. MacDermid passed away in Saskatoon after a long and distinguished life. Upon his passing, he bequeathed $100,000 to Saskatoon Community Foundation, with the remainder of his estate to be held in trust during the lifetime of his widow, Margaret Vickers MacDermid. Upon Mrs. MacDermid’s passing on January 13, 1992, the remainder of the estate, valued in excess of $1,700,000 has been left to Saskatoon Community Foundation. The devotion of Fred and Marg to the community and their generosity is greatly appreciated.
Mr. MacDermid was born in Ontario and moved to Saskatoon in 1908 after graduating from the University of Manitoba College of Law. He practiced law with J.D. Ferguson, Q.C. and later with his brother Jack under the firm name of Ferguson, MacDermid and MacDermid and later younger partners as MacDermid and Company. He was appointed King’s Counsel in 1926.
Over his lengthy life, Mr. MacDermid was involved in many civic matters. He was active in the Liberal Party of Canada and of Saskatchewan, the Mendel Art Gallery, and St. Paul’s Hospital, as well as being past president of both Riverside Golf and Country Club and the Saskatoon Club. However, his favourite activity was the creation of the Saskatoon Community Foundation which he founded, nurtured in its formative years, and supported morally and financially until his death. We are deeply grateful for his foresight and wisdom in the establishment and guidance of Saskatoon Community Foundation.
Mrs. MacDermid was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Saskatoon in 1920 where she and Fred began a marriage which would last sixty-six years. She was very active in the art world, being involved with the Mendel Art Gallery and being an artist herself. She was also interested in the Saskatoon Symphony Society and the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium. Marg was extremely concerned with Saskatoon Community Foundation and was instrumental in its creation with Fred. Her interest remained in her later years and she continued to monitor its progress.
Saskatoon lost much in the passing of Fred and Margaret MacDermid. However, their vision and spirit of giving has left a permanent legacy to the citizens of Saskatoon – a legacy which gives and keeps on giving.