John Diefenbaker

John George Diefenbaker was born in Neustadt, Ontario, to William Thomas Diefenbaker and Mary Florence Bannerman. He had one younger brother, Elmer Clive Diefenbaker. Throughout most of his early career, Diefenbaker served in the Canadian Army during World War I, but he left due to injuries. In 1919, Diefenbaker moved to Wakaw, Saskatchewan, although with its population with only 300.

In 1929, Diefenbaker married his first wife, Edna Brower. Their marriage lasted for 21 years.

Was elected as Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1940, and held the post continuously until his death in 1979.

Notorious for all but destroying Canada's aerospace industry when he cancelled construction of the Arrow fighter in the late 1950s. The Arrow was more powerful and more advanced than any American craft at that time, and it is believed the program was cancelled due to American pressure.

Edna died from leukemia on February 7, 1951.

Diefenbaker remarried in 1953, to Olive Freeman.

Diefenbaker become leader of the Conservative Party, winning on December 14, 1956. The following year, Diefenbaker became Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Louis St. Laurent.

In 1958, Diefenbaker won the election against Lester B. Pearson.

But things went downfall for Diefenbaker, because in 1963, the Liberal leader Pearson defeated Conservative leader John George Diefenbaker.

Diefenbaker tried again in the 1965 election, but he lost because of Pearson.

Diefenbaker remained active throughout the 1970's.

His second wife died in 1976. At the age of 83, Diefenbaker ran for public office in Prince Albert.

Pictured on a 17¢ Canadian commemorative postage stamp issued in his honor, 20 June 1980.