In 2012 Mohawk graduate John Lafferty retired from a 36 year career in Medical Laboratory Technology during which he was a leader, mentor, researcher and educator. In his last position John led a high-performing team of Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants at the McMaster Children’s Hospital in providing life-saving laboratory services to thousands of pediatric and adult patients.

In his career John distinguished himself through a lifelong passion for research and education. John authored or co-authored 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals, held four research grants and delivered numerous presentations and posters at national and international conferences in Canada and the United States. In addition John taught continuing education at Mohawk College and Michener Institute and held a faculty appointment at McMaster University. John chaired provincial committees on laboratory hematology – standardizing the laboratory investigation of hemoglobin abnormalities and malaria in Ontario.

In retirement John teaches guitar at the Ancaster Seniors Achievement Centre giving courses in beginner, intermediate, advanced and performance guitar to over 40 students a semester.  John volunteers at the Meadows Long Term Care Residence in Ancaster giving weekly performances and plays in a band that participates in charitable events for St. Michael’s Anglican Church Youth Program and the YWCA Senior Outreach Program.  John is also secretary of the Castle Ridge Condominium Board, a Red Cross certified first aid and CPR responder and a Certified Visitor for the Hamilton and District Ostomy Association.