Meet Your Neighbour: John Dodsworth

Who are you? What do you do?

My name is John Dodsworth. I am a lawyer. I have worked for the government my entire career, mostly in environmental and Indigenous law. I am currently a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board. I decide appeals of refugee claims. 

I live on Kilbarry Crescent, with my wife Jennifer Morin. We have three children, Sarah, Katie and Patrick, who are all grown up!

Where were you born?

I was born in Toronto but moved to Ottawa when I was young. I lived in Kanata growing up.

Why did you choose your occupation? Did you ever consider another occupation?

I knew that a law degree would provide me with the opportunity to have an interesting and fulfilling career, which it has. I briefly thought of being a teacher, but I don’t think I have enough patience to be good at it.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My family is always number one! I have a fantastic wife and three wonderful children. Oh…and then there is Gus, our doodle.

Why do you live in Manor Park?

We used to live in Lowertown and would go to the Swiss Chalet on Montreal Road on Friday nights with the children. On occasion we would drive through Manor Park on the way home and absolutely loved it! It reminds me of the Beaverbrook part of Kanata where Jennifer and I grew up, with lots of trees, wonderful community and … no sidewalks!

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go and why?

I don’t know if there is any one place, but living in other countries for a short period of time has always appealed to me. We love to travel, and I have thought that Quito Ecuador, Paris, London and New York might be interesting places to spend an extended holiday.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose?

My father — who died just before Jennifer and I were married. So much to tell him! Paul McCartney, who has led the most incredible life. I have seen him in concert and am seeing him perform again in Montreal next month. And Abraham Lincoln, as I have a great interest in the US Civil War.

What would you serve?

For my father, steak and kidney pie (he was from Yorkshire). Something vegetarian for Paul and a big steak for Abe and me.

What was the last book you read?

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller. It is a novel that tells the story of the Trojan war.

Who would you get to star as you in your memoirs?

My son Patrick could play me pretty well!

If I won the lottery, I would spend my winnings on….?

I don’t need anything at all, so I would give it all away to my family and charity.

What do you do to stay healthy?

I try to keep up with Jennifer, who’s a marathon runner, so I run a bit (more modest distances)! But I much prefer swimming in The Pond and at the Lowertown pool.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Family vacations to a cottage on Bennett Lake near Perth.

My favourite thing about Ottawa is….?

It is such a liveable city, with access to lots of green space and the Ottawa River.

My least favourite thing about Ottawa is….?

February!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Living in the same house on Kilbarry, enjoying my family.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

Never give up!

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you? 

Jennifer! Hands down!!