Burial Site of John G. Diefenbaker and Olive Diefenbaker

Prior to his death on August 16, 1979, John G. Diefenbaker consulted with government officials about his funeral arrangements and burial location. After he lay in state in the Hall of Honour in Parliament, Diefenbaker's body was transported to Saskatoon by train, which was watched by many Canadians who paid their respects to Canada's 13th Prime Minister. Both the Canadian Flag and the Red Ensign were draped over his casket in honour of his wishes and preference for Canada's previous flag. The coffins of John G. Diefenbaker and his wife, Olive Diefenbaker received final burial outside the Diefenbaker Canada Centre overlooking the South Saskatchewan River at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. 

Their graves are part of the National Program for Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers. This program was created in 1999 by the Government of Canada in order to “ensure the conservation and promotion, in dignity and respect, of the gravesites of our deceased prime ministers.” To learn more about Diefenbaker’s gravesite and the program, click here.