THE HONOURABLE ARCHIBALD STEWART DEWAR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THE HONOURABLE ARCHIBALD STEWART DEWAR July 26, 1916 - July 7, 2001 On July 7, 2001, following a brief illness, the Honourable Archibald Stewart Dewar passed away at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. Archie was born in Winnipeg on July 26, 1916. He leaves behind his wife Ethel Margaret (nee Purves) his sons, Robert Andrew and Ian Ross; daughter-in-law Karen (nee Jensen) grandson Mark; granddaughter Nancy; his brothers, Thomas (Margaret) Dewar of Qualicum Beach, BC, and Robert (Betty) Dewar of Vancouver, BC; several nephews, nieces and cousins; and many special friends made over the years. He was predeceased by his sister Mayme; and recently by his eldest son David Stewart Dewar. Archie devoted most of his 48-year working life within the Winnipeg legal community. After graduating from United College, he worked as a police constable with the Winnipeg Police Department from 1938 until 1940. He then served overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery with whom he attained the rank of Major and was decorated with the United States Bronze Star. Following the war he enrolled in the Manitoba Law School and earned his LL.B. degree in 1948. He articled and began his legal practice with the firm of MacArthur & Evans. In 1949 he became a solicitor in the Legal Division, Department of National Health and Welfare, in Ottawa for a brief period. In 1950 he returned to Winnipeg to become a Crown Attorney with the Department of the Attorney General, where he gained recognition as an exceptional trial lawyer. In 1957, he returned to private practice with the firm of Thompson Dilts and Company until 1973, at which time he had become managing partner of the firm which was then called Thompson Dewar Sweatman. He continued throughout this period to be renowned for his work as one of Manitobas leading litigation lawyers. In 1973, he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Court of Queens Bench for Manitoba, a position which he held until his retirement in 1985. Over the years Archie held many positions with professional and community associations. He served as a bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba, and was elected Honorary Secretary in 1973. He was a member of the council of the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and he was a part-time lecturer at the Manitoba Law School. He was a longstanding member of Deer Lodge United Church and served in several capacities on the official board during his life. He served as a member of the Winnipeg Advisory Board of The Salvation Army. He was a supporter of the St. Andrews Society of Winnipeg and was made an honourary President in 1999. He was also an honourary life governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Manitoba Division. Throughout all of his endeavours, Archie brought a capacity for hard work, a commitment to excellence, a belief in responsibility for ones actions, and an overriding sense of justice and fair play. Above all, he was devoted to his family. Those who knew him well will cherish his memory. A funeral service and reception have been scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 at Deer Lodge United Church, 2093 Portage Ave., commencing at 1:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2001