In Memoriam | NEXUS Magazine | Alumni | Faculty of Law | UNB

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Faculty of Law

In memoriam

1932 – 2023

Brian graduated from Saint John Vocational School in 1949, where he earned a gold medal for the fastest typist in the province that year. He completed the first part of his Bachelor of Arts studies at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Quebec, and completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB. He earned his Bachelor of Law at UNB in 1962 and completed the Osgoode Hall Bar Admission course in 1964. Called to the NB Bar in 1962 and to the Ontario Bar in 1964, he first practiced law with a specialty in civil litigation in St. Thomas with the Hennessey, Kempster & Gunn Law Firm (1964-1976), and went into private practice (1976-2004). He continued his practice in Ingersoll, since 2004 until he retired in 2017.


1938 – 2024

Gordon was a law partner in the firm Guss, Taylor & Gregory Saint John from 1963 to 1971. In 1971, he was appointed Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice for the Province of New Brunswick. He held this position until 1987. In 1987, he left government and went into private practice with Athey & Gregory Law in Fredericton, later becoming Athey, Gregory & Dickson. He retired from the practice of law in 2013.

When Gordon joined government, he believed it would only be for a few years, after which he would return to his much-loved City of Saint John. Instead, he remained with the Department of Justice for 17 years, having become committed and dedicated, along with so many of his colleagues, to evolving and professionalizing the Department of Justice and Attorney General. He was a passionate advocate for governance according to foundational principles and the rule of law. Gordon and those who worked closely with him are credited with having designed and implemented our current justice system in New Brunswick.


1938 – 2023

Wallace was a lawyer for 25 years in the city of Saint John. He practiced with Clark, Drummie & Associates prior to serving as a judge for 20 years on the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.

Wallace was very active in contributing to his community and his varied interests. He was the Chairman of the board of the Turnbull Home in Saint John for 55 years. He served on the Board of Governors at RNS school and was a Director for Ports Canada. He was also very active with the Progressive Conservative Party, New Brunswick Labor Relations Board, and various causes for those having intellectual disabilities. He was an avid angler and enjoyed golf and skiing.


1944 – 2024

Graham continued his education as a young man at the University of New Brunswick, later graduating from the Faculty of Law. Graham became a member of the Law Society of New Brunswick in 1968. As of 2018, he became a Life Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick, following 50 years of exemplary practice as a lawyer in the province. Graham practiced in all the courts in this province and in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Graham's oldest friends recall that he was recruited out of university by the Federal Government into what they believed to be "some kind of spy" program, which sounds entirely plausible for Graham, who remained tight-lipped about the experience. During this time, Graham worked for what was then known as Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. Knowing Graham's particular dash and flair and his old-world sensibilities, for any of those who knew him well, it is entirely believable that, for a time, Graham may have been a spy in post-Cold War Canada.

Lured away from Ottawa and back to New Brunswick, Graham first practiced law with Associated Attorneys in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he worked diligently under the tutelage of brilliant senior attorneys. Ultimately, Graham worked as a Crown Prosecutor in many important New Brunswick cases over a prosecution career spanning close to 30 years. Graham completed his legal practice many years later after acting as defense counsel in cases referred to him by Legal Aid. He was extremely generous, putting to use his brilliant courtroom skills to the benefit of the courts and the community at large over his entire career as a lawyer.

1940 – 2024

From working in Goose Bay NL to horseback on Parliament Hill as a Constable-in-training with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottawa ON, Joe began his long career as a Lawyer and was admitted to the New Brunswick Bar Association on June 1, 1971, where he then practiced law in Richibucto, NB until his retirement at the age of 69.

Prior to his admission to the Bar Association, in the late 60's, Joe taught at the Richibucto High School in which, during his teaching tenure, organized the first 773 Air Cadets Squadron and was the Commanding Officer from 1967-69.

During his career as Lawyer/Notary, Joe was nominated to Queen's Counsel in 1990. He also participated with many committees and amassed many certificates of appreciation including a Commendation from the Governor General of Canada in 2007.

1947 – 2024

Robert attended Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute before pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario, later attending the University of New Brunswick Law School. After graduating, Bob managed a successful law practice with his friend, Mike Shea, for many years. Bob is survived by his wife, Colleen; his sons, Chris (Carli) and Jonathan (Breanne); his daughter, Shannon (Bruce). He was adored by his grandchildren, Sloane, Miller, Pierce, Bobby, and Maddie. Bob is also survived by his siblings, Donna Chapman (John), and Doug Durno (Joanne); as well as his many nephews. Bob will be remembered as a larger-than-life character who bestowed his quick wit and endearing sense of humour upon all those who knew him. He was happiest making people laugh and enjoying an occasional "cleansing ale" with his dear friends at the Scarboro Golf Club, pubs in the Beaches and at his cottage in Muskoka.


1945 – 2024

Gordie was born in St. John’s on March 18, 1945. He was educated at Bishop Feild College, St. John’s; Trinity College School (TCS), Port Hope Ontario; Colby College, Waterville, Maine, and received his law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1972. He was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1973.

Gordie was a lifelong Cleveland Browns, L.A. Dodgers, and Detroit Red Wings fan. He was a wine enthusiast and loved to share a good vintage with his buddies. He loved the peace and tranquility of the Gander River; landing a salmon was a bonus. He loved golf and the ski slopes with family and friends and, most of all, the time spent at his treasured Hogan’s Pond, creating memories with his children and grandchildren.

Gordie will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, generosity, and loyalty to his family and friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and most of all, he will be remembered as a genuinely good man who was well and truly loved and who will be forever missed.


1949 – 2024

Born in Montreal, Jonathan moved to England at just three months old. He attended Stout’s Hill School in Gloucester and Malvern College in Worcestershire. Following in his older brother’s (David) footsteps, Jonathan returned to Canada to go to university, firstly obtaining a BA in English literature at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. He won the John Basset Memorial Scholarship in Law and pursued his legal studies at the University of New Brunswick, earning his law degree in 1973. Jonathan was admitted to the New Brunswick bar in 1973 and the Ontario bar in 1975. He established a successful practice in Toronto and enjoyed his time living on Centre Island. In 1983, he moved his family and practice to Oakville, where he managed a highly active firm until his passing.

1946 – 2024

Called to the bar in Ontario in 1977, Ivan briefly served as an Assistant Professor with his alma mater, UNB. He and fellow graduate, Anne McLellan, had both heard about the University of Alberta and accepted teaching positions. They remained friends for many years.

Shortly after moving to Edmonton, Ivan met Suzanne Mah, a talented and bright young lawyer. She was the first Chinese Canadian woman to graduate from Law at the U of A and the first woman on the Alberta Human Rights Commission. She was deeply involved in pro bono work. And she was a companion to Ivan, who shared Ivan's joie de vivre and love for travel and wine. During the short course of their marriage, they travelled the world together. Suzanne introduced Ivan to Lake O'Hara, which would remain Ivan's favourite place in the world. Ivan tragically lost Suzanne at 36 years old after a fight with cancer. Suzanne's family embraced Ivan after her death, and later embraced Ellen as well.

Ivan continued to excel as a professor at the University of Alberta. He was honoured with awards for teaching excellence from both the undergraduate and graduate student associations. He published articles that would be cited in numerous law journals and at trial and appellate level courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.


1952 – 2023

Bob's professional journey began at the Moncton law firm Forbes Radford DeBow in 1976, where he was made partner. The family relocated to Halifax, NS, in 1981, as Bob pursued an MBA at Dalhousie University, which he completed in 1983. Bob then joined the Halifax law firm Daley Black & Moreira, where he became a senior partner.

Throughout his career, Bob remained deeply involved with the legal community, maintaining memberships in both the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Bar Associations. His legal journey saw him transition through significant mergers, working for Patterson Palmer (2001-2004) and subsequently Patterson Law (2004-2014). In 2014, Bob embraced a new challenge as General Counsel at the Halifax engineering firm CBCL, a position he held with distinction until his retirement from the law in 2021.

Throughout his professional life, Bob's generous spirit found expression in various charitable endeavors and organizations. He held a special place in his heart for his role as Chairman of the Abilities Foundation as well as his service to St. John's Ambulance, for which he was made an Officer of the Order of St. John.


1952 – 2024

Tom was born and grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick. He spent most of his adult life in Toronto. A graduate of the University of New Brunswick Law, Tom was called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1978 and to the Ontario Bar in 1981.

After spending several years in banking, he found his true passion in the courtroom as a criminal defence lawyer, appearing regularly in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

In 2003, he was asked to join Legal Aid Ontario to create a province-wide program to manage serious, high-cost cases. In later years, much of his work concentrated on helping those with mental illness who found themselves at odds with the criminal justice system. Tom took an abiding interest in nurturing young lawyers. He found immense satisfaction in their professional growth and success.


1950 – 2024

After graduating UNB Law school in Fredericton, Wayne practiced law as a respected legal aid lawyer in both NFLD and BC. There, he served with skill and devotion to many families in need of compassionate and competent lawyering. After retiring, Wayne moved back to the Maritimes with his wife of 23 years, Beryl McKiernan. He had long dreamed of returning to the East Coast to be close to family and to the culture, charm, and music of the East Coast he loved so much.

Wayne remained passionate to the end of his days about all things to do with music, poetry, art, storytelling, literature, movies, and history. The list of his interest and curiosity seemed endless. But music gained a greater focus in his final years. He taught himself to play 12-string and acoustic guitars, until he could play a flawless ‘Classical Gas’. He then moved on to learning and playing piano. He chose songs for a music playlist to play at his bedside while in palliative care. Leonard Cohen had to be top of the list and we all sang along to “Farewell Marianne.” Wayne loved to travel to sunny, warm destinations and to play cards with the ‘Boys’ who included his brothers and friends. And he always loved sharing his highly embellished stories about retrieved memories we shared as family. How we loved him. He was generous, empathic, and wise to the end.

1959 – 2023

The true magnitude of Christopher's impact on our community and on the people he loved is difficult to capture in words. Throughout a distinguished legal career that spanned over 30 years of dedicated service, Christopher helped so many people through some of their most challenging days.

He was admired for his incredible work ethic, with his peers often commenting that he was actually two lawyers crammed into one, and for being a gifted and creative problem-solver. But Christopher's greatest gift was his ability to connect with people and to make them feel like they had someone in their corner. He was a true professional who worked tirelessly for those that placed their trust in him. He genuinely loved his work and those he worked with, especially his staff, who gave so much of their time and energy to support him.

1972 – 2024

Dianne was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Laborador, on November 6th, 1972, before making her home in Moncton in 1993. From pilot to VooDoo club manager to teacher to lawyer, Dianne’s resilience, kind ways, and work ethic allowed her to accomplish many things she put her mind to. She was a multi-instrumentalist, playing clarinet in the Codiac Concert Band, a singer, an actress, and board member of more than a few committees. Dianne’s bright spirit left fond memories in the countless wonderful people she crossed paths with, and a sincere heartfelt hug goes out to all that have known her on behalf of the family.



Obituary excerpts shared from Telegraph-Journal, McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home Ltd., McAdams Funeral Home, Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, Toronto Star, Carnell’s Funeral Home, Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, Edmonton Journal, Arbor Memorial, York Funeral Home & Miramichi Valley Chapel, The Standard, Ferguson Riverview Funeral Centre.