In Memoriam
Vernon B. Copp, Q.C. (BCL ’50)
1927 – 2022
Lieutenant, The New Brunswick Scottish Canadian Army; Captain, The Highland Light Infantry Fusiliers; B.A. University of New Brunswick (1948); Bachelor of Law, UNB Law School (1950); Beaverbrook Scholar (1952); Masters of Law, London School of Economics (1952); appointed to Queen's Counsel (1965); Alderman, Galt City Council (1968-1971); principal legal counsel, City of Cambridge, (1973-2004); second recipient of Coulter Osborne Award, Waterloo Region Law Association (2004).
Predeceased by wife Bernice (nee Green/Nevard) and son Christopher (1956-2019).
Without a wisp of snobbery nor a care for the elevated social status it inevitably bestowed, you took the responsibilities of being a professional very seriously, and tirelessly applied your skills to your community. You sat on countless boards, volunteered with numerous organizations, and built a highly reputable law practice with your loyal partner and dear friend of 50 years, John Cosman. Being awarded the Coulter Osborne Award in 2004 by your peers was a crowning achievement for an admirable professional career. With "integrity, comity and beneficence in professional practice and public life" you "upheld the highest traditions of the profession."
The rest is silence.
O, how we'll miss you, Dad.
Arthur Samuel Wakim, Q.C. (BCL ‘62)
1937 – 2022
[Sam] was an assistant Crown Attorney in Toronto, followed by the position of Senior Investigation Counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission. He was employed at Weir Foulds LLP for over 30 years. Although a life-long Conservative, he was known and respected by persons of all political parties and of numerous occupations.
Sam was an only boy with eight older sisters, and as such he was an unwavering advocate for women's education and employment issues throughout his life.
Politics was a part of Sam's DNA. From his early years, he was involved in the Conservative Party as an ordinary member or in leadership roles. In 1962, he was Private Secretary to the Honourable Walter Dinsdale, Minister of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources, under the leadership of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. During this time, he travelled the northern part of Canada and the DEW Line.
In 1979, Sam was elected as the first M.P. for the new federal riding of Don Valley East. Upon his return to the private sector, he was elected to the boards of directors of leading Canadian institutions such as Canadian Airlines and the Canadian Opera Company.
Peter A. MacNutt, Q.C. (BCL ’65)
1940 – 2022
The death occurred at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 of Peter Armstrong MacNutt, Q.C. of Fredericton, age 82 years.
Survived by brother James (Barbara) MacNutt, nieces Jane and Carolyn and their children Charlotte and Mark, and Jack and Emma.
Predeceased by his parents, Erskine Keir and Nora Jean MacNutt.
Patrick Gorman, Q.C. (BCL ’66)
1941 – 2022
[Pat] was a founding member and senior partner of Gorman Nason Law Firm, where he worked until his retirement. He was appointed as Queen's Council in 1986 and served on the Governing Board of the Barrister's Society and the Saint John Law Society. He was awarded an honorary lifetime membership of the Law Society of NB.
Pat was active in supporting his community. Some of his contributions included being an elected member of the Saint John School Board, President of Simond's Minor Hockey Association, a member of the Rocmaura Board of Directors, a member of St. Ann's Church Financial Committee, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He cherished time with his family, especially Sunday breakfasts. He loved to travel and visited many places around the world with his wife and children.
James Darryl S. Innes, Q.C. (LLB ’69)
1942 – 2022
Born in 1942, in Moncton, [Darryl] was the oldest son of the late James & Burton (Pike) Innes.
Darryl graduated from Acadia University (BComm 1965), UNB Law School (1969) and soon opened Innes & Bossé Law Firm, where he practiced for his entire career. While best known for his ethical legal practice, he was most at home listening to music (everything from Mozart to John Denver) and walking the land on his Stoney Acres Farm in Elgin.
Darryl was a kind, caring and intelligent man who believed in the importance of community. Few knew of his many charitable contributions to affordable housing, education and legal assistance as well as being a fierce supporter of Moncton Headstart.
Glen J. Larsen (LLB ’71)
1945 – 2023
Born in New Glasgow on February 15, 1945, [Glen] was the son of the late Dr. Christian Larsen and N. Eli (Jacobsen) Larsen. Glen graduated from Dalhousie University in 1967 and graduated from the University of New Brunswick, Faculty of Law. He was admitted to the bar June 1, 1970.
Glen is survived by his three boys: Christian (Sheri) of Pennfield, Todd of St. George, and Jeff (Manuela) of Whitehorse, Yukon; his granddaughter: Eli Sandra Louise and his grandson: Jacob Lucas. Glen started his career as a Crown Prosecutor before going into private practice. Glen took great pride and satisfaction from practicing law in Charlotte County.
Glen loved animals, especially dogs. He enjoyed gardening and curling. He had a passion for canoeing and ran the Piskahegan River Company for a number of years.
The Hon. T. Denis Lordon (LLB ’72)
1946 – 2023
In 1969, Mr. Lordon was admitted to the University of New Brunswick Law School and graduated with his Bachelor of Laws 1972. As a young lawyer Judge Lordon formed the law firm of Martin, Lordon and McKenna with offices in Chatham and Newcastle, New Brunswick. For the next 20 years he was engaged in the general practice of law with a special passion for criminal law. On many occasions he appeared before the Provincial Court, the Court of Queen’s Bench and the Court of Appeal. He was also appointed special prosecutor for the Federal department of Fisheries and Oceans. For many years, Mr. Lordon, was a member of the Law Society of New Brunswick and the Canadian Bar Association. As a lawyer and later as a Judge he was often called on to teach young lawyers in the Criminal section of the Law Society of New Brunswick’s Bar Admission Course.
Michael M. Jamison (LLB ‘74)
1944 – 2022
After graduating from U of A, Mike worked in industry and taught high school before deciding to follow in his fathers' footsteps and study law. He graduated with an LLB from the University of New Brunswick in 1974, returned to Alberta, and practiced law in Calgary until 2011.
Mike enjoyed his career and the many friends he made along the way, but his true passions were family, music, and travel. He was a gifted piano player, playing with many groups and musicians over the years and relishing the excitement, camaraderie, and performances with his fellow musicians. He loved sharing his talent wherever he went and gatherings with family and friends would undoubtedly include sing-alongs and dancing.
Mike was a role model and mentor to his children and grandchildren. He willingly shared his knowledge and encouraged them with love and respect as well as laughter and encouragement. His remarkable memory often left them in awe.
Hon. Benjamin B. Taylor (LLB ’74)
1950 – 2022
Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, late of Charlottetown, and formerly of Summerside, died on December 9, 2022. Ben was born in Ottawa, Ontario on September 26, 1950, to the late David Taylor and Grace Babbitt Taylor. As his father remained in military service following the Second World War, the family moved around but, Ben spent most of his schooling years in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the one room schoolhouse in Cape Traverse, PEI. He graduated from Englewood High School in 1967.
Ben began his post-secondary education at Prince of Wales College in 1967 and graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1971. He then went on to obtain a law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1974. When he returned to Prince Edward Island, he soon met Marilyn Kenny and they married in 1975. Ben articled in Summerside and was called to the bar in 1975. He practiced law with McCabe & Taylor, Campbell McEwen Taylor McLellan, then Taylor McLellan, where he focused primarily on civil litigation. He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1987. He was appointed to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island in 2004.
Walter D. Vail, Q.C. (LLB ’74)
1948 – 2022
Falling somewhat short of my goal of living forever. I am survived by my pals and loves, wife Heather (MacDiarmid), daughter Laura Vail (Tom Patterson) and granddaughters Alice, Winnie and Pearl. Also survived by my sisters Penny Dunbar (Doug) and Candy Lambert (Mark) and special "sons" Geoff Vail (Emily) and Mike Vail (Jean), several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by my parents Kip (2000) and Todie (2001) and brothers Chip (1985) and Peter (2003).
A special thanks to my pal Greg Machum and to all my friends and clients.
What a great time I had - it's either all over or on to the next adventure.
William Joseph "Bill" Connell (LLB ’76)
1954 – 2022
[Bill] worked in private practice for many years. He was an advisor to the Honorable Frank McKenna from 1984 - 1989. In 1989, he accepted a position as Vice-President at NB Power. One of his many contributions was the negotiation of a settlement with St. Mary's First Nation when they burned some transmission poles in protest over power lines crossing their reserve land.
Bill read voraciously and had a keen interest in history, politics and science. He was active in minor hockey and baseball in Fredericton and loved watching his sons play. He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed the occasional moose or deer hunting trip with friends. In his later years he enjoyed the meetings at the Golden Club as well as his afternoon coffee at Tim's with friends.
Eugene Raymond Ozon, Q.C. (LLB ’77)
1938 – 2022
[Eugene’s] early career was as a broadcaster with CBC in Corner Brook and St. John’s. With degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland (M.A.) and the University of New Brunswick (L.L.B), he was called to the Bar in Newfoundland in 1977, practiced law in Corner Brook for thirty years, and became Queen’s Counsel in 2003.
He loved sports, and was a good athlete. He was junior tennis champion for Newfoundland in 1956, played baseball for many years and was the proud recipient of the Buck Tavenor Memorial Trophy in 1985. He played hockey and bowled, was an avid skier, including in the “Old Sam” races, and was a co-founder of the “OTH” badminton group, friends who played and laughed together for decades.
Bernard Robichaud (LLB ’77)
1951 – 2022
Il est toujours difficile de dire au revoir à quelqu'un que l'on aime. C'est donc avec beaucoup de chagrin que nous annonçons le décès de Bernard Robichaud (Caraquet, New Brunswick), survenu le 27 décembre,2022. Afin de combler votre absence, il est possible de témoigner de sincères condoléances à la famille et leurs proches. Laissez une pensée réconfortante, allumez une bougie en sa mémoire ou envoyez un arrangement floral de votre choix au service funéraire dans la section,ci-dessous. Vous pouvez également y ajouter des souvenirs pour partager les beaux moments vécus.
Il a été précédé dans la mort par : ses parents, Omer Robichaud et Thérèse Gionet. Il laisse dans le deuil : son épouse Mariette; son fils Philippe (Audrey-Ann); et ses frères, René (Mary Ann) et Pierre. Il laisse également dans le deuil plusieurs beaux-frères, belles-sours, neveux et nièces.
William Montgomery Thompson (LLB ’77)
1952 – 2022
Bill’s responsibility to his work, colleagues, and clients was his raison d’etre. A career of interesting positions culminated with the founding of Thompson & Associates Strategic Consultants Inc. With close to 40 years of experience in economic development, Bill was involved in numerous projects throughout New Brunswick.
Back-room politics was his passion. Bill’s entire life was spent supporting, developing, and promoting the Progressive Conservative Party provincially and nationally. From his position as Executive Assistant to the Hon. Gerry Merrithew in the 70’s to his role as Deputy Minister in the government of Premier Bernard Lord, Bill reveled in the purpose, comradery and value of democratic politics.
A quick summary of Bill’s life would be unfinished without a nod to the period of time Bill spent in his early 30’s when he was the founder with his friend Doug Patterson of The 1880 – a restaurant/bar on Sydney Street that has provided years of story-telling and memories. Then on to the Show Room on Union Street for a few years as the night scene in Saint John diminished.
Paul J. Veniot, Q.C. (LLB ’80)
1954 – 2022
PJ was a graduate of STU where he was a proud member of the university orchestra, The Thomists. He went on to receive his law degree from UNB in 1980 and had a long and distinguished career as a Crown Prosecutor. He was highly respected and admired by his peers and his achievements in the legal profession were rewarded by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel. He was proud to have served as a member of the New Brunswick Law Society, the Child Death Review Committee, as well as Indigenous Peoples Rights.
Music played an integral part of PJ’s life. From a very early age he was a passionate musician and member of multiple local rock bands. What a voice he had and he was a superb instrumentalist.
Marvin A. Greenblatt (LLB ’81)
1952 – 2022
Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, [Marvin] was the beloved son of the late Mendel and Bessie Greenblatt and the cherished brother of the late Ilsa Shore and Pauline Greenblatt of Ottawa.
Marvin attended the University of New Brunswick and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees. He practiced law in Calgary until his retirement.
He will be greatly missed.
Geoffrey Brian Davidson (LLB ’93)
1967 – 2023
The passing of Geoffrey Brian Davidson, formerly of Fredericton, NB, occurred on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Sunnybrook Health Centre in Toronto, ON. Born on June 13, 1967 in Fredericton, he was the son of Ronald and Lillian (Estabrook) Davidson.
After graduating from UNB Law School, Geoffrey moved to Ontario, where he worked in marketing.
In addition to his parents, Geoffrey is survived by his brother, Peter Davidson of Fredericton; aunts, Anne Murphy (Ernest) of Summerside, Marianne Davidson of Calgary; several cousins.
