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Edward DUCHARME Obituary
DUCHARME, The Honourable Justice Edward W.
Peacefully on June 2, 2013 with loving family and friends by his side at the age of 69.
Cherished husband of Carolyn Gray. Loving father of Sarah Gill. Beloved son of Wilfred (1998) & Theresa (nee Hogan-1982). Dear brother of Richard (Ann), Cecile (1971), Sister Jane Ducharme, Patrick (Janice) and Anne. Loving brother-in-law of Barbara Gray (Larry), Cathy Harris (Carl) and William Gray (Nancy). Adored uncle of many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand- nephews.
To his dear friends, Harvey & Cathy Strosberg, Michael Foran, Brenda Rasmussen and Rene Cartolano, thank you for your love and support.
Edward Ducharme was awarded, from the University of Michigan, a PhD in English. He lectured as an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Windsor.
In the spring of 1987, Edward was called to the bar. On July 1, 1990, he took up the full time practice of law. His main areas of practice were employment law, labour relations and class actions.
In May 1999, he was elected as a bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. He immediately became the Chair of Legal Education.
In May 2002, Edward was appointed to the Superior Court of Justice (Ontario) located in Chatham.
In November 2009, Justice Ducharme was appointed Regional Senior Judge for the Southwest Region. He became a member of the R.S.J. Council. He also served on the Education Committee for the Superior Court Judges. On April 5, 2012, Justice Ducharme was appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
In 2013 Justice Ducharme was scheduled to receive honorary doctorates from both the Law Society of Upper Canada and Assumption University.
A special thank you to Dr. Antonio Finelli, Dr. Anthony Joshua, the nurses and support staff of Princess Margaret Hospital of Toronto. In kindness, donations to the Prostate Centre of PMH would be appreciated. Visiting Wednesday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. with prayers at 7:30 p.m. at Families First 3260 Dougall Ave South Windsor (519 969 5841). On Thursday, family and friends are invited to Our Lady of Guadalupe (834 Raymo Rd.) after 10 a.m. with eulogies at 10:45 followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca.
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Memories and Condolences
for Edward DUCHARME
48 Entries
October 27, 2013
I just now learned of Ed's passing. He was my favourite prof...inspirational in every way. To Carol, who I knew through her time with the English Department,sending you kind thoughts and prayers. I was Sue Jones then, married to John.
September 15, 2013
I was a student in Mr. Ducharme's class in 1978-1979. I was going through a very tough time personally, and he took the time to counsel me and re-assure me. What a sweet man! I will never forget him and those piercing, loving, compassionate blue eyes. A student named Theresa.
Eva Terzakis
July 12, 2013
Words are...I think, a feeble representation of the depth of sorrow I felt upon learning about the passing of Dr. Ducharme. Moreover, they cannot express the depth of gratitude I feel for having known him.
Like in the many tributes I've read from people over the past 40 days since his death, I too was among those who had the honour of having him as an English professor and the privilege of having him as my mentor and friend during my undergraduate and graduate school years at the University of Windsor.
To his family: Please know that his students, for whom he had seemingly infinite reserves of time and energy, loved and respected him greatly. He was truly a gentle man and a good soul. You have my most sincere condolences.
The kindness, wisdom and compassion he imparted to so many, it seems, in all the stages of his life have, surely, not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
As a mother and an educator (the latter probably in large part owing to his guidance), I am so grateful that I have been able to tell my children and my students about this inspiring man, who I was blessed to have been able to cross paths with in this life.
His inspiration and influence will always be a wonderfully comforting legacy for all who had the honour of knowing him.
May his memory be Eternal.
John Stout
July 10, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Ed for the first time back in 1990. I was in student government and we hired Ed as our lawyer. He was a terrific choice who guided us through some difficult situations. I was at the same time enrolled in Windsor Law. Ed was a wonderful mentor who was always available to speak with me about my career. Ed had an extraordinary gift to write beautifully. But most of all, Ed was a wonderful human being who was always positive, even in the most stressful situations. Over the years we had lost touch. However, I contacted Ed when he was appointed to the Court of Appeal. We were hoping to have lunch and get caught up. He did not tell me he was ill, although I found out later from mutual friends. We have lost a wonderfully talented man, but I will always have wonderful memories of him. I was truly blessed to know Ed. My deepest sympathy to Ed's family.
How you can show support
June 20, 2013
With our sincere sympathy,
Peter and Linda Scherer
Susan Santo schembri
June 15, 2013
An honour and an amazing experience to have been a student of yours .You gave life to the words on ancient pages as if we were in the midst of them happening at that moment .You inspired us to be so much more than we dreamed we could...always remembered with great affection by this student .My heartfelt condolances to your family .God Bless .Susan Santo Schembri
June 8, 2013
Always think of you when I see this. Thou on those who evermore, Thee confess and Thee adore, In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend; Give them comfort when they die;Give them life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. United eternally with You. Frank and Donna DeMarco
June 7, 2013
Professor, friend, mentor, inspiration. A truly great mind, intellect and soul. The world is a much poorer place for his loss, but much richer for his having been here. Ed exemplified all that is great and noble not only in the profession but in humankind. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
John(Jack) Herceg
June 7, 2013
It is with great sadness I have in my heart with the passing of Ed. He was a caring and compassionate man always having the time for those in need. I will never forget the times he took for me and my family with never a thought of his time and needs.
Thank you Ed I will always treasure the quality time and conversations we had together.
To his dear family I was out of town and I am saddened that I could not attend and be assure I will always remember Ed and my sincere condolences are with you.
Respectfully
John(Jack) Herceg
1285 Front Road South
Amherstburg,Ontario.
[email protected]
June 6, 2013
I am heartbroken to hear of Ed's passing. He was a stellar professor and so inspiring to a young writer. After becoming a journalist in Toronto 32 years ago, I would see him regularly on trips home to share what I had learned and have a lively chat.
A few years ago, he had offered to review the first draft of my yet-to-be-written book. I was eagerly looking forward to that. I heard on a trip to Windsor at Christmas that he was unwell and had hoped to get in touch.
Pity that I didn't want to disturb him.
My condolences to his family.
Donna Laporte
Donna Laporte
June 6, 2013
I distinguished scholar, humane lawyer, and a good friend. I will miss you and your company so much. I will cherish the memories of our wonderful dinners, your good humour and deep insight into legal issues. My best to Carolyn and your family.
Maria Broser
June 6, 2013
Ed's academic and professional achievements have been remarkable, but what distinguishes him as an extraordinary man is the great and lasting influence he has had on the lives of others, especially his many students. I am fortunate to have known Ed and will always remember him fondly and with gratitude for his kindness and for the support and guidance he offered me during my years as a student in the English Department. His life is truly an example of a life
well-lived.
I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Marcel Sleiman
June 6, 2013
Sorry for your loss,my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Ian Holloway
June 6, 2013
Mr Justice Ducharme was a prince of a man in every way. I first came to know him when he was a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada sitting on the Education Committee. I then came to work even more closely with him when he was Regional Senior Justice of the Superior Court for southwestern Ontario, and I was the Dean of Law at Western. He was a dean's best friend – a counsellor, a confidante, and a (gentle) critic. I was blessed to have been able to call him a friend, and like all of us who were so blessed, I am devastated by his loss. My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences go out to Ed's family.
Tempus fugit, non autem memoria!
June 5, 2013
To the entire Ducharme family, I wish to express my sincere condolences at the loss of such a vital and compassionate man as "Eddie". I remember him and your whole family very fondly from those long-ago days on Josephine Avenue. It is evident that Ed impacted very positively in his world as a professor of English, as a lawyer, and as a judge. Many people were blessed to have him in their lives. I pray that all of you find comfort in the memories of an extraordinary husband, father, brother, and friend. I am sure that Wilf, Theresa, and Cecile have welcomed him ever so warmly after a life well-lived.
Joanne Verschraegen (Iatonna), Windsor, ON
Marta E. Sasso-Kachmaryk
June 5, 2013
Ed was a wonderful person to me and my family. We are so sorry to hear about his death. My deepest condolence to you Carolyn and your daughter Sarah. God bless you and give you strength. Marta Kachmaryk
Dawn Marie Nassr
June 5, 2013
Ed was called to heaven on his mother's birthday . He will join her and his loved ones in heaven and be cherished by those who were blessed by his gifts here. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Ducharme
June 5, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the whole family. We have lost a brilliant man and will forever be proud of being uncle and cousins to Ed. From the Byron Ducharme family of London.
Bill Schiller
June 4, 2013
It is heartwarming to read these tributes, which stand as clear testimony to Ed 's extraordinary impact on so many. I too consider myself lucky to have been taught by him. He was my teacher, my mentor, my role model. My condolences to Carolyn, Sarah, Pat and all of his family and friends. A man of great warmth, great humour and erudition, Ed will dearly missed.
Conrad Reitz
June 4, 2013
My deepest condolences to you and the family. Like so many others, I was introduced to a study of English literature with a course on Criticism that I took as a "mature" student in 1980, as a librarian in the Leddy Library,and this inspired me to continue on, to achieve an M.A. in English Literature ten years later. He was the finest teacher and lecturer I have ever worked with, and I was somewhat disappointed when he decided to go into Law instead.
Marlene
June 4, 2013
Carolyn, so sorry. Praying comfort and strength for you and your family
Franca
June 4, 2013
Dear Carolyn, so very sorry. All the best
Laurie Januska
June 4, 2013
Dr. Ducharme provided me with one of my treasured University experiences when I took a writing class with him. Such a wonderful man - inspiring, thoughtful and warm. I am proud to have been his student, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
June 4, 2013
Dear Carolyn and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences.
~ Mira Dobric, Windsor, Ontario
Brian Smith
June 4, 2013
I fondly remember Ed as a kind, intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humour and his love of teaching. I considered him an excellent Professor of English Literature when I studied at the University of Windsor. My sincere condolences to all of his family.
Paul Rowley
June 4, 2013
Dear Carolyn and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Paul, Filomena, Katya, Joe and Sam Rowley.
Joyce Wayne
June 4, 2013
Ed was my first English professor at University of Windsor in 1970. He changed my life by introducing me to literature. I'll never forget him. May he rest in peace.
Evie Lipton
June 4, 2013
Dearest Carolyn, and family: I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts.
June 4, 2013
To this day, Edward taught me a lesson in an English class that I have never forgot. He was a wonderful, passionate and caring instructor. It reflected in the time he took for students. He molded me into a better writer while at the University of Windsor. He is a loss to our community, but will always remain inspirational to all who knew him. My condolences to his wife, daughter and all the friends and family he touched. He was a blessing.
Nancy Gorski
June 4, 2013
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Ed's passing. I had the great privilege of studying Literary Criticism in a number of classes with him and truly feel that he was an instrumental part of my success at the University of Windsor. He taught me to read anew with his insight and depth of knowledge. He was a kind and caring teacher, mentor and friend who will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Mary McNamara
June 3, 2013
My family and I are thinking of you all at this sorrowful time. Ed was a beloved colleague and friend of my father's; during those golden years of growth and enrichment in the English Department, Ed was an essential component. He used his gifts wisely; his intelligence, writing and analytical skills, eloquence, and compassion took him on a wonderful journey from English professor to a career in the law and enabled him to do great things as a lawyer and judge. His love for his wife and family was tremendous and complete. His life is an inspiration and his light will forever burn brightly. May God's love and blessings be with you-
Cathie Kelch
June 3, 2013
My deepest condolences to you, Carolyn. I'm so sorry to hear this very sad news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathie (Kireta) Kelch
June 3, 2013
My condolences on your loss, Ed was very kind to me. It made an impression.
J & L Conte
June 3, 2013
Many have been moved by Edward simply by his words and actions as a human being. On top of that his professional life also has touched many. We pray for his soul and his family. He is one who will not be forgotten!
Anthony Giannotti
June 3, 2013
Edward was a wonderful professor, friend, lawyer, and judge. We will miss your humanistic and caring approach to people and your reverence for life Ed. Thank you for being an example of how to live life.
June 3, 2013
Thinking of you Carolyn... May your hearts soon be filled with all the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Liana.
Julie Bortolotti
June 3, 2013
To the entire Ducharme family, please accept my condolences on Ed's passing. I first met him in his office after I had lost a long-time position and we talked about my options. His intellect, his compassion, and his honesty truly impressed me and our meeting is one that I will never forget. As I went to leave I asked where I paid for the consultation and Ed said, "This one's on the house out of respect for your father who was a truly wonderful man." Ed, as I said to you at the meeting, I felt like a tulip ready to break ground and move onto bigger and better things. May you flower and move onto better things as well. You will be missed.
June 3, 2013
Anyone blessed to know Ed realized he was a man of great intellect, humour and compassion . His gifts to the world will always be cherished .
Matthew Macdonald
June 3, 2013
Justice Ducharme was a prince of a man. He balanced his intelectual gravitas with kind heart that cared for his students and those that appeared before him in his courtroom. He left his mark on so many. It was a joy to work for him when he was at the Superior Court and we all were proud of the inpired choice to elevate him to the Court of Appeal. I have no doubt his students feel the same way about him as a professor. Although he was a Judge when I articled at the court, in practice he never ceased being a teacher. I remember long conversations about legal points before him and his desire to come to a decision that was legally sound, but just as well. Just as we shared in the joy he brought so many, we share now in the sorrow now. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Greg Atkin
June 3, 2013
Condolences to the family on Professor Ducharme's passing. Thirty odd years ago Dr. Ducharme was part of an outstanding English Dept at the University of Windsor. He was Drysdale to Rabbi Stollman's Koufax.
His lectures were insightful, inspiring and entertaining. He once told a student:"If you're having trouble wih "The Waste Land" you're in the Waste Land."
May he rest in peace.
Amanda Gaw
June 3, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Justice Ducharme's passing. He was a wonderful man and just a shining example of what the judiciary should be. He made a wonderful impression upon me. My sincere condolences to the family.
Sharon Stubbington
June 3, 2013
Carolyn and Sara you are in my prayers.
Sharon Stubbington
Kristen L. Hales
June 3, 2013
We are very sad to hear of Justice Ducharme's passing, and send our thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time.
June 3, 2013
Sorry to hear of Edward's death. To all the Ducharme Family, my sincerest condolences. You must be so proud of his accomplishments as I am to be a relative of this family. You are in my prayers and thoughts today.
Nell McCann
Kristy Middleton
June 3, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Edward. He was a wonderful man and will be fondly remember by my husband Ryan and myself.
Colin Anglin
June 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Lanspeary
June 3, 2013
Ed was my first prof at the University during my English undergrad; he was inspiring. His passion for 'the word' was palpable and his understanding
of the human condition compassionate. I hope his family can reside in peace soon.
June 3, 2013
To the Ducharme family, I'm writing to express my deepest sympathy. Dr. Ducharme taught me English Criticism at the University of Windsor. My taughts and prayers are with the Ducharme family at this time. Dr. Ducharme was an awesome teacher who always took the time to explain class work. Scott Goldstein
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