Mr. Donald Herbert Medhurst Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The Honourable Donald Herbert Medhurst December 17, 1924 – July 11, 2022 Retired Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta It is with deep sadness but profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Donald H. Medhurst on July 11th, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 97… a gentle man and a gentleman. Don cherished his wife, Audree, and their five daughters and families. He is survived by daughters Janice Medhurst, Anna-Jean Olson, Joan Hotchkiss (Tom Hires), Jill Medhurst (Brian Tivadar), and Judy Spangler (Allan). Don was predeceased by his parents, Arthie and Fred, loving wife Audree, brothers Neil and C. F. “Bud,” and son-in-law Bud Olson. Don was dearly loved by his 12 grandchildren: Andra Olson (Robroy Schmidt), Andrew Olson, Marissa Cotter (Chester), Stephen Hotchkiss, Katie Hotchkiss, Allison John (Sunil), Matthew Hotchkiss (Lynley), Nicholas Tivadar (Karli Pansky), Lauren Tivadar (Danny Weber), Donald Spangler, Jillian Spangler (Mike Lalonde), and Sam Spangler. Don was blessed to have 8 great-grandchildren: Emmelia, Macsen, Coco, Georgie, Cael, Oak, Josie, and Judah. Don developed his strong work ethic and appreciation for the importance of family at a young age. He was raised along with two elder brothers by his loving parents, Arthie and Fred Medhurst, in the village of Foremost, Alberta. His older brother, Neil, graduated in Law from the University of Alberta in 1940. After admission to the law society, Neil enlisted in the Canadian Army, serving until he was killed in Belgium during the invasion of Europe in October, 1944. Don’s older brother, Charles Frederick (Bud), graduated in Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1940. He served overseas in the Royal Canadian Engineers and returned to practice his profession in Vancouver, where he lived until his death in 2006. In his personal and professional life, Don demonstrated selfless dedication, compassion, and determination. Don was proud to have served in the Royal Canadian Air Force until his discharge in 1945. He then attended the University of Alberta, graduating in 1950 with a combined Arts and Law degree. In 1952, Don’s life changed forever when he married Audree Timmins in Calgary. They were happily married for 63 years until Audree’s passing on November 11th, 2015. With his beloved wife, Audree, Don cultivated lifelong traits of patience, gratitude, and humour raising five daughters born within six years in both Calgary and Medicine Hat. His daughters will always be grateful for Dad’s advice, support, and encouragement, which he likewise extended to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and wider community. Don’s daughters will always remember cherished family trips, especially one where Don bravely captained a station wagon, pulling a TeePee trailer with his five daughters and wife as far as Disneyland. No matter the distance or Audree’s loving advice, Don maintained his calm and gentle demeanour. Don began his legal career with the Fenerty law firm in Calgary. In 1958, Don and family moved to Medicine Hat when he became a partner in the law firm Stone Pritchard, which later became Stone, Pritchard, Medhurst, Lerner, and Wilkins. In 1974, Don was appointed to the District Court of Southern Alberta and the family relocated to Calgary. He served until 1979, and when the Supreme and District courts of Alberta merged, Don became a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and member of the Court of Appeal of Alberta, in addition to his position as a Judge of the Northwest Territories. In 1989, upon reaching supernumerary status, Don was appointed the first chairman of the Copyright Board in Ottawa, which held hearings regarding Canadian broadcasting compensation for retransmission of Canadian cable programs and music. In 1999, upon reaching mandatory retirement, Don was appointed a member of the Canada Pension Appeals Board, a part time position that enabled Don to travel to various provinces in his beloved Canada. He served on this Board for approximately 10 years until fully retiring in 2009. Overall, He achieved almost 60 years of dedicated service in the legal profession. At the time of Don’s passing, he was the oldest surviving retired Justice in Alberta, yet he remained sharp as a tack—often with a feather in his cap and a pin in his lapel—never losing his much-loved quick wit. Throughout his judicial career, Don appreciated the friendships he formed with his fellow judges, clerks, orderlies, and colleagues in Calgary and across the country, as he truly valued their counsel, camaraderie, and support. Beyond his work in the legal profession, Don always valued the importance of community. While at the U of A, Don was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. He also served as President of the Medicine Hat YM/YWCA, where he was instrumental in the construction of their new building. Don was a passionate golfer and member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club. He was also a longtime supporter and fan of the Calgary Flames and Stampeders. Don enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays, golf, curling, and tennis throughout the year. Don was blessed to have a wonderful life well-lived. Whether he was sharing his love of sports or discussing current and world events, Don never failed to brighten others’ days with his clever commentary and wealth of knowledge. It was Don’s lifelong love of learning that motivated him to learn French at the age of 50. No matter the situation, Don maintained his caring, kind, and generous disposition, earning the admiration and respect of everyone around him. We will miss his speeches, humour, and joie de vivre. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care and support shown to him by the staff of The Journey Club at Westman Village in Calgary. At Don’s request, his family will gather privately for a Celebration of his life. While Don will be greatly missed, he will live on in the hearts of those who loved him dearly. As Sai Baba notes, “Life is a song—sing it. Life is a game—play it. Life is a challenge—meet it. Life is a dream—realize it. Life is a sacrifice—offer it. Life is love—enjoy it.” Funeral by Rupi Kaur "When I go from this place dress the porch with garlands as you would for a wedding my dear pull the people from their homes and dance in the streets when death arrives like a bride at the aisle send me off in my brightest clothing serve ice cream with rose petals to our guests there’s no reason to cry my dear I have waited my whole life for such a beauty to take my breath away when I go let it be a celebration for I have been here I have lived I have won at this game called life." To send condolences please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (403.652.4242).

Tributes

Mr. Donald Herbert Medhurst

December 17, 1924 - July 11, 2022