Main, John Edwin

ENCAENIA, MAY, 1976
JOHN EDWIN MAIN
to be Doctor of Laws

Although we in the Atlantic Provinces are frequently loathe to admit it, many good things have come to us from that area of our nation to which we refer -- sometimes disparagingly, I fear -- as Upper Canada. In the case of John Edwin Main, we acknowledge his place of origin unhesitatingly and without disparagement and welcome him warmly as a Maritimer by adoption and by long association.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Jack Main received his early education in Dundas, Ontario. His plan to pursue higher education at Bishop's University was ended, after one semester, by serious illness. It was left to him to pursue his continuing education in the University of Experience, a school from which he graduated summa cum laude.

Early attracted to the world of business, he served as a Security Sales Representative with Midland Securities Corporation, later as a Trust Officer in Charge of Foreign Estates in the Federal Government Succession Duties Division. In 1950, he joined the Montreal Trust Company serving in roles of increasing responsibility and culminating as Senior Vice-president and General Manager.

Early in his period of service at the Montreal Trust Company, normal business practice caused his path to cross that of the late Lord Beaverbrook, Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick. A cordial business relationship soon matured into a much closer association based on mutual esteem and admiration. When Lord Beaverbrook created the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation, it is not surprising that Jack Main was involved nor that he has been an influential director since its inception.

It is in this capacity that the University of New Brunswick, the City of Fredericton and the Province of New Brunswick have become closely acquainted with Jack Main. We have watched admiringly and appreciatively as he has skilfully and effectively initiated, encouraged and brought to fruition a wide panorama of projects supported by the Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation. Nor has his influence ceased upon the completion of a project; for example, he has given outstanding continuing service as a member of the Board of Governors of both the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Playhouse. Indeed, his continuing dedication to the Playhouse in its refurbished form has earned for Jack Main the sincere appreciation of a large segment of New Brunswick, despite our distinguished Chancellor's tendency to refer to it as "Main's folly."

In one of his aspects, we admire, respect and even stand in awe of Jack Main the shrewd, hard-headed, exemplary man of business; for the other Jack Main, the patron of the arts and the patron of lost or losing causes, we have great affection and a sense of close comradeship.

The University of New Brunswick considers it an honour to bestow its highest award upon a distinguished man of business and a supreme pleasure to say "well done" to an old friend, counsellor and comrade.

Praeses admittit Johannem Eduinum Main honoris causa ad gradum Doctoris in Utroque Jure.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2