RICHARD JAMIESON SCOTT

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RICHARD JAMIESON SCOTT

March 20, 1938 - November 21, 2024

With sadness, we announce the sudden death of Richard Jamieson Scott, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, at 86 years of age.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 64 years, Mary; his daughters, Laurie (Bruce Lennox), Jennine, and Nancy; his grandchildren, Malcolm, Emily (Dan Howitt) and Sofia; his brothers, Tim (Louise) and Alan (Barbara) and brother-in-law Stuart MacPherson (Teressa).

Dick was born and raised mostly in Winnipeg, on the Red River, by loving family, spending war years in Vancouver as his Dad, an engineer, was needed at Boeing Aircraft. There was fostered his lasting love of planes. Moving back to Winnipeg, he attended public school, University of Winnipeg Collegiate, and the University of Manitoba, graduating with a law degree (1963). He was called to the Manitoba Bar and practiced civil litigation law with Thompson, Dilts, Jones, Hall, Dewar and Ritchie (now TDS Law Services) and made a Queen’s Counsel in 1977. He became well known for his extraordinary talents as a court room litigator, in particular his impeccable preparation and delivering successful outcomes for his clients. He was a strong advocate for Pro Bono and served on the board for Legal Aid for many years. He was also president of the Law Society of Manitoba. He was one of the first Manitobans inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was a member of the Advisory Board for The Winnipeg Foundation and Chair of the Foundation from 2001 to 2005. He had other community interests such as the Manitoba Heart Foundation and Harvest Manitoba and served on the Board of each organization in executive roles.

Appointed a Puisne Judge to the Court of Queen’s Bench in June 1985, he was made Associate Chief Judge in October 1985 and Chief Justice of Manitoba in July 1990, retiring from the bench in March 2013 as the longest serving Chief Justice in Manitoba history. There, he became well known not only for his thoughtful and well considered judgments, but for driving a modern and well functioning appellate court. During his tenure on the bench, he also took on significant responsibilities with the Canadian Judicial Council and was an important contributor to Canada’s first ‘Ethical Principles for Judges’. He was asked to travel to countries such as Ethiopia and Ukraine to support the development of an independent judiciary in recognition of his expertise in this area.

In May 2013, following his retirement as Chief Justice of Manitoba, Richard was appointed as the inaugural Independent Chair of the Discipline Committee of the Law Society of Manitoba over which he presided for ten years. The Law Society also established the Richard J. Scott Award, to recognize an individual who advances the rule of law and contributes to a strong and independent legal profession through advocacy, litigation, teaching, research, writing or mentoring, all qualities that Richard espoused.

As well, Richard was a strong supporter of the Public Interest Law Centre and just the day before the day of his passing, was informed he was the recipient of a special award in recognition of his longstanding contributions as a teacher and mentor.

He returned to private practice, working in arbitration and mediation with the firm of Hill Sokalski LLP. until June of this year

In recognition of his community service, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manitoba (2000), received a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and was inducted into the Order of Manitoba (2013) and Order of Canada (2015).

But many knew Richard as Dick - a wonderful friend, a family man, and someone who took a keen interest in what was happening in the world around us. He was a good listener. His started running and completed several marathons. He made close and lasting friends. One of his favourite things he most enjoyed in later life was to take a walk in Assiniboine Park with his buddies.

With his marriage to Mary, he quickly became a regular on the CNR Camper’s train to Farlane, Ontario. He spent many summers there, relaxing in the wilderness, and enjoying many challenging canoe trips. It was a great place for the family and friends.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors and staff at St. Boniface Hospital. They were professional, kind and generous. We also would like to thank the many who have sent remembrances, cards, and flowers. If you wish, donations can be made to the Chief Justice Richard J. Scott and Mary Scott Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation or the charity of your choice.

In the spring, on May 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., there will be a Celebration of Life service at the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg,

We miss you, we love you, go in Peace.

“How lucky I am to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2024