JOHN SALMON LAMONT

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JOHN SALMON LAMONT, Q.C. It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of John Salmon Lamont, Q.C., aged 90, at Deer Lodge Hospital on February 17, 2016. John is survived by his beloved wife Evelyne "Anderson" Lamont; his devoted children, Andrew Lamont, Madeleine Lamont (George Lennox) and Maria Lamont (Waut Koeken); his three beloved granddaughters, Mariah and Isabelle Lamont-Lennox, Louise Koeken; as well as former daughter-in-law Alison Talyor and her children, Tracy, Steve and Kevin. His absence will be sadly felt by his sister Jean (Lamont) Pycock; and sister-in-law Judith Lamont. John was predeceased by his sister Mary and brothers, Frank and Charles Lamont. John Lamont was born in Winnipeg on November 26, 1925, the first son of John "Bud" Lamont (MLA) and May Bastin. He enjoyed what he described as an idyllic childhood on a farm in Headingly, Manitoba, on the banks of the Assiniboine River. John was a proud Manitoban and had a sense of justice and fairness instilled in him from very young. After graduating from Gordon Bell High School in 1943, John enlisted at age 17 in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and proudly served his country overseas during the Second World War. John was repatriated in 1946 and continued his education in Winnipeg. He completed his undergraduate degree in Arts and his Law degree at the University of Manitoba and was called to the bar in 1952. He embarked on successful and accomplished law career after articling with his father's firm, Lamont, Buriak and Zivot. He joined Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson in 1953, becoming a partner in 1962. For 52 years he practiced law, primarily in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency, oil law, estates/trusts and litigation. Career highlights include cases heard in the Supreme Court of Canada, and his appointment as Queen's Council in 1978. John was a former chair of the Canadian Bar Association's Constitutional Law Section and authored numerous articles and papers on constitutional law and reform. John had a keen and active interest in Canadian politics, and served as President of the Liberal Progressive Party and was a founding member of the Reform Party. He felt a deep sense of community, and championed many causes dear to his heart, especially Senate reform to further the interests of all Manitobans. He also acted as President of the YMCA of Greater Winnipeg, to name just one of many boards that he served on. John married Winnipeg actress, Evelyne Anderson, on October 8, 1960, and together they enjoyed a deeply happy marriage of 55 years. To his family, he will be remembered as simply the kindest, most generous and supportive husband and father. Together he and Evelyne provided a loving home, a splendid cottage in Ponemah Beach, and a year abroad spent in Iffley, England and Montreux, Switzerland. John enjoyed the active career of his wife Evelyne with great pride. He had endless encouragement and support for their children's interests and careers, as well as the warmest of welcomes to their spouses and eventual grandchildren. John reveled in the accomplishments of his family, be they on stage, in a gallery, or in sport. He also provided support and deep friendship to his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and would never refuse aid to anyone in need of help or assistance. John's homes were always full of happy familial and collegial gatherings, and he was an amazing and generous host. John was a passionate and warm natured man with a wide range of interests and hobbies; he loved the outdoors, and was a devoted oarsman for nearly 65 years, joining the Winnipeg Rowing Club while in University. He won numerous Northwest International Rowing Association medals with stalwart crewmates that included amongst others, his brother Frank, Derek Riley and eventually his son Andrew. He and Riley enjoyed a successful double sculls partnership that included wins at the World Masters Games, FISA Veterans Regatta and U.S and Canadian Masters Championships. He was 84 at his last race. He had a great intellect and was a voracious reader with a special interest in history, politics and philosophy. He loved poetry and rare was the occasion when he did not have a timely quote or a bit of word play at hand; he was a gifted and humorous storyteller, and loved to regale a gathered audience with a good tale. The last years of John's life were compromised somewhat by the onset of Alzheimer's disease, but this did not prevent him from having active and meaningful times, thanks to the loving care of his wife Evelyne. He enjoyed travel, family and wonderful summers at his Ponemah Beach cottage. Last year John's illness necessitated an eventual move to the Deer Lodge Centre. To visit him in Tower 7 was simply to witness the most vibrant example of care and compassion imaginable. Words are woefully inadequate to express our gratitude, respect and admiration for those who cared for him. Their splendid professionalism was matched with warmth, endless patience, genuine affection and diligence. To the caregivers of Tower 7, please accept our deepest thanks. John never lost his sweet, kind nature, his joy of life and his eternal optimism, and he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. His only sadness in life was the premature loss of his brothers and best friends, Frank and Charles, as well his sister Mary. We are grateful for the many long and happy years he had among us. In closing, we would like to cite one of his favourite verses from Shakespeare: "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince; And may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest" A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held July, 2016 in Winnipeg, followed by an interment in Headingly. Details to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, or The Winnipeg Rowing Club Building Company.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2016