About Jack T Edwards
Jack died peacefully at home in his 83rd year, on Sunday, January 12, 2014 surrounded by his three children. Jack was born in Morse, Saskatchewan, raised in Vancouver, and a grad of UBC Law School, now called Peter A. Allard School of Law, before being called to the Bar in 1959.
During university and for many years after, Jack was active with the RCAF Reserve; it was during training that he met the love of his life – Elizabeth. They were happily married for 45 years until her all too-sudden death in 2003. Jack was a proud member of 442 Squadron; serving as Wing Commander from 1961 until 1964. In 1966, he co-founded the law firm of Bouck Edwards, now Edwards, Kenny & Bray. His faithful service to his clients and his profession was well known; he served on the Vancouver Bar Association, was national Chairman of the Air Law Section of The Canadian Bar Association, and was a Bencher of the Law Society of B.C. until his appointment as Treasurer (now called its President) in 1985. He found time to chair the Board of the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation, and led the Federation of Law Societies of Canada as President in 1987. His dedication and conscientiousness culminated in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. in 1994.
Jack retired fully from the bench in 2005, but has remained close to his associates and his air force family. Jack was highly committed to his profession and was an exemplary model of service and duty. He was equally committed to his family and close friends. He spent happy years sailing, travelling, reading, and chopping firewood in West Vancouver, Hope, and on Bowen Island.
He is survived by his three children Robert (Paula), Barbara, and Jennifer (James Bitonti). Jack was a proud, loving Poppa to his five grandchildren Kathleen, Stephanie, and Jack Edwards, Jonathan and Anna Bitonti. Jack was a devoted brother to sisters, Marjorie Carvell (2013) and Eda Cuff (Ernie), in-laws Jim and Linda Manning, sister-in-law Jacqui Manning-Albert and uncle to many nieces and nephews in Vancouver and Ontario.
Jack’s final years were filled with the challenges that accompany Parkinson’s. He met this with grace, humour, and determination. Jack and his family were grateful for the faithful assistance of Maria, Connie and other caregivers who helped him find comfort and joy in his final years. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Vancouver Club, 915 W. Hastings St., on February 18, 2014 from 1- 4 p.m.
Read MoreThe impact of your support
In honour of Jack’s legacy to his profession, a bursary fund in his name has been established. The Jack T Edwards Memorial Fund will support promising students in the Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC.
List of Donors
All Donors-
Anonymous Donation
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Anonymous Donation
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Douglas K. Harrison
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Jennifer Edwards
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Kathryn Neilsoon
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Susan Schmitt
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Mike Theroux
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Duncan & Pat Shaw
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Ongaro Family
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Neil Menzies
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McPhie Family
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Barb Jones