CHARLES GORDON DILTS QC

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CHARLES GORDON DILTS QC Peacefully, after a brief illness, Gordon Dilts passed away on Friday, February 2, 2001, at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre at the age of 79 years. He leaves to mourn his dear sister Betty (Donald Hendry) and her three daughters, Penny Sue (Purcell), Wendy (MacDonald) and Judy (Crocker) of Montreal and Toronto. He leaves nieces and nephews, Lesley (Boyd), Patricia (Reid), Marilyn (Grant), Rhett (Diane) and Dwight (Nancy), all of Winnipeg, and in addition to many grand nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Edith Stinson and Alymer Dilts QC; by his brother Everett (Margaret) and his sister Allison (Nelson Armstrong). Gordon was born in Winnipeg and he spent his entire life in the city he loved. After completing a B.A. at the University of Manitoba in 1942, he enlisted and served three years as a Flying Officer during the Second World War. He returned to school after the war and he received his L.L.B. in 1948 from the Manitoba Law School. He articled with the late E.K. Williams in the firm of Williams, Dilts, Baker and remained with that firm (now Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman) becoming a leading civil litigator and being appointed Queens Council in 1963. In 1969 Gordon left private practice to become a full-time member of the academic staff in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. For 18 years he taught law students in the faculty and his enthusiasm and commitment in the role reflected his love of teaching and his respect for the young. Although he taught a number of courses over the years, the contribution for which he will most be remembered was the creation and development of a litigation program, providing students with their first introduction to the art of advocacy. The program was remarkable for the quality of the instruction, the originality and appropriateness of the cases devised for the moot trails and by the unfailing enthusiasm of Professor Dilts over a period of 18 years. The students greatly appreciated Gordons enthusiasm and dedication and in particular his encouragement and concern for their education. He received one of the universitys "Outstanding Teacher Awards" in recognition of their gratitude and respect. Gordon perceived his 18 years at the University as the highlight of his professional career. With his passing, Gordon leaves numerous dear friends, most of whom go back many years and in particular, Barry Manning who has been so attentive and special during these difficult times. The family is sincerely grateful for your support. We wish to thank the nurses and all the staff at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre who provided compassionate and expert care to Gordon over the last few months, and who treated him with dignity and respect. A private family service and interment will be held at St. Johns Cathedral Cemetery, 135 Anderson Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordons memory to the Golden Door Geriatric Centre, 1679 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2G6, in care of Activities Department. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2001