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. 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. He won the seat, but three months later on August 16, 1979, Diefenbaker died of a heart attack. He was 83 years old.

One Canadian: The Political Memoirs of the Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker

Schwierigkeiten beim Zeigen der Wahrheit?

See photos of celebrities before they hit the big-time.

John Diefenbaker

Self

Archive Footage