Obituary of The Honourable A. Milton, QC

The Honourable A. Milton Harradence, QC, DUC, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal of Alberta, April 23, 1922 to February 28, 2008. Mr. Justice Milton Harradence passed away at the Sarcee Hospice after battling his cruel and terminal illness with the heroic tenacity that mirrored his eventful and accomplished life. Justice Harradence is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Catherine; daughter Catherine C. Harradence and son-in-law Judge Terence Semenuk; daughters-in-law Catherine J. Harradence (Robert A. Hornes) and Sherry M. Harradence (Arizona); grandson Rod Harradence, Jr. (University of Victoria); brother J. H. Clyne Harradence, QC and his wife Helen; sister-in-law Vera Richardson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was tragically predeceased by his sons Roderick Richard Harradence and Milton Bruce Harradence. Justice Harradence achieved national prominence in his twenty-eight year career as a leading defence lawyer, ranked by a Canadian national magazine as one of Canada?s ten best criminal lawyers. He was a celebrated exemplar of the best traditions and ethics of his profession. His vigorous, exhaustive and eloquent defences of accused persons brought him fame and attracted widespread attention and admiration. He was noted for his impeccable courtesy to the Courts and to his fellow barristers. When he was elevated to the Appellate Bench in 1979, Milt Harradence QC had secured his reputation as a formidable, fearless and respected advocate. To young lawyers, many of whom he mentored, his character and his career were sources of inspiration. Milt Harradence was active in the political life of his city and province. He served as a Calgary alderman, and subsequently was elected the leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. Mr. Justice Harradence served eighteen years on the Court of Appeal of Alberta. He presided with dignity, courtesy and compassion. He remained an outspoken exponent of the traditional criminal law values. His Judgments were characterized by rigorous and exhaustive legal scholarship. A number of his dissenting judgments were upheld and adopted as landmark decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada. Milt Harradence also gained notoriety as a highly skilled and adventurous aviator, renowned for his acrobatic air show exploits with a succession of single-seater aircraft. He commenced his flying career as a Sergeant-Pilot in the wartime RCAF. Among his related honours were his appointments as Honourary Colonel of the 416 Tactical Squadron of Air Command at Cold Lake, and the recent conferral by the Calgary Air Museum of the Neil Armstrong Award in recognition of his conspicuous contributions to aviation. A recipient of many honours, Justice Harradence was appointed a Doctor of the University of Calgary at its 1998 Spring Convocation. Greatly respected by members of the Armed Services and Police Services, he was an honourary member of both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans and the Calgary Police Service Veterans associations. The Harradence Family express their grateful thanks to the medical and nursing staff of the Sarcee Hospice for their devoted care and many kindnesses. Funeral Services will be held in celebration of Milt?s life and accomplishments at Knox United Church (506 – 4th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Union Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email debbies@cancer.ab.ca or to the Sarcee Hospice, 3504 Sarcee Road S.W., Calgary, AB T3E 4T4 Telephone: (403) 685-6460. In living memory of Milton Harradence, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.