ANDREW CLARENCE BALKARAN

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ANDREW CLARENCE BALKARAN LL.B., QC (ANDY) After a lengthy illness, Andy died peacefully on Monday, March 13, 2000. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; his sons, Adrian (Cheryl Choptain) and Anders (Nadine) and grandchildren, Brittany and Amy. He is also survived by his brother Lalo and his sister Toy and his brothers-in-law, Leonard and Lloyd Prayag; all of Winnipeg. Andy was born in 1924 in San Fernando, Trinidad and for a number of years worked in the Public Works Department of the Government of Trinidad, where he also served as an employee-elected representative on the Governments Labour/Employer Council. He married Dorothy in 1952 and two years later left Trinidad for Winnipeg in search of a better life for them both. Shortly after his arrival, he obtained employment as a porter on the C.N.R. and also attended classes in the Faculty of Arts at United College. Dorothy joined him in Winnipeg in 1956, the same year that he entered the Manitoba Law School. Andy continued to work for the C.N.R. during his four years of Law School. His academic performance at Law School was brilliant. He won numerous academic prizes and awards culminating in the awarding to him of the University Gold Medal for the highest standing on the occasion of his graduation in 1960. This was a remarkable achievement from a class that later produced six judges, a dean of a law faculty, an attorney-general and many of Canadas leading counsel and practitioners. Andy articled with the late Hart Green Jr., Q.C. and then practised law, first at the City of Winnipeg under the guidance of Ross Nugent and, later, in Izzy Aspers law office. He joined the Provincial Government in 1963 as a legislative counsel where he honed this special craft under the guidance of the late Gerry Rutherford. In 1966 he was appointed by the Government of Saskatchewan as its legislative counsel, a post he held until 1969, at which time, due to family reasons, he returned to Winnipeg and accepted an appointment as associate legislative counsel, a post that he held continuously until his retirement in 1988. Andy also during this latter period, was a sessional lecturer in the subject of legislation at the Faculty of Law. Andy was held in the highest regard not only by members of the Government, but also by members of the Opposition. He was always available to assist, with both patience and tact. He particularly enjoyed his years working with his friend Rae Tallin. Andy was the consummate professional, a craftsman and a perfectionist. In recognition of his services as a legislative counsel, he was appointed a Queens Counsel by the Manitoba Government in 1981. Andy was a member of Masonic Blue Lodge No. 4 and a member of the Khartum Temple in Winnipeg. He was also an active member of the Transcona Memorial United Church. He was looking forward to seeing his friends at their 40th anniversary Law School Reunion. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. in Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W., with Rev. Jeff Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andys memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8 or Kidney Foundation of Canada, MB Branch, 200-55 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L8. The family wish to thank the caring staff of the 5th floor at the St. Boniface Hospital, their efforts were very much appreciated. Dad, we saw you getting tired And could not wish for you to stay Dad we know that your work here is done, and that you were called home to be with our Lord; Dad, you will be sadly missed by everyone who knew you, and loved you. With Prayer, with prayer, we grieve, Through Prayer, through prayer we achieve The strength to go on, for our loved one has gone home. Rest in peace, dear father, until we meet again. Come a glad and glorious day! GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2000