Aleck Trawick

TRAWICK, Aleck H., Q.C. June 17, 1945 - November 20, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Aleck H. Trawick. As a devoted family man and a mentor and leader to many, he will be dearly missed by family, friends and colleagues. Aleck is survived by Beth, his loving wife of forty years, his beloved sons Geoffrey (Monique Stevenson) and Richard (Lyndsay), his devoted mother Winifred, his brother and best friend Ian (June), and his nephews Bryan (Danielle) and Randy, and niece Heather. He was predeceased by his father Lyle in 2001. Aleck was a proud Saskatchewanian, born and raised in Regina. He spent his early days playing the tuba in the Lions band, developing his passion for cars and studying at the University of Saskatchewan, where he completed his law degree in 1969. Following the completion of his studies, Aleck moved to Calgary where he built a successful career in law, found the love of his life, Beth, and raised a loving family. As a man of exceptional aptitude with a strong sense of justice, Aleck flourished both in his professional career and in his volunteer work supporting the rights of others. Aleck started his legal career at Macleod Dixon before moving to Burstall & Co. to establish and lead their litigation department. After many successful years at Burstall & Co., Aleck joined public life as the Ombudsman of Alberta, where he worked hard to make the office accessible to everyone. Following his time as Ombudsman, Aleck returned to law, joining Blakes in Calgary, where he acted as Senior Partner during a period of exceptional growth and earned his Queen's Counsel in 1994. Aleck was also a dedicated volunteer, making significant contributions to the Canadian Mental Health Association, who honoured him with the C.M. Hinks Award for outstanding contribution to mental health, and created the Aleck Trawick, Q.C. Award for legal advocacy in his honour. In 1993, Aleck was awarded the Commemorative Medal of Canada for significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada. Aleck loved his family dearly, spending time either travelling the globe with Beth or supporting his sons' many endeavours of touring the world playing music and sailing the open ocean. A voracious storyteller, he was always ready to hold court for anyone willing to listen. Aleck loved to cook and loved to sail his catamaran ""Neophyte"". Upon retiring in 2005, Aleck and Beth moved to Victoria, BC to be closer to their boys and the ocean. He became an active member of the local community and continued his charitable work through the Churchill Foundation. Aleck made a huge impact on many people's lives with his big personality, devotion to his career, dedication to mentoring, great love of family and friends, and his colourful language. He will be greatly missed by many. Memorial Ceremonies will be held in both Calgary and Victoria for all friends and family. CALGARY: November 30, 2010, Calgary Golf & Country Club, 50 Avenue S.W. at Elbow Drive, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. VICTORIA: December 3, 2010, Union Club, 805 Gordon St., 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Donations to the following organizations are requested in lieu of flowers: Alberta Division, Canadian Mental Health Association ( www.alberta.cmha.ca/ ); The Churchill Foundation of Vancouver Island ( www.churchillvictoria.com ).