Peter Kimber MCWILLIAMS

(LLB, BSc) Peacefully in his sleep in his 85th yr, May 31st, after enjoying a sojourn to Niagara-on-the-Lake, his mother's birthplace. Predeceased by his beloved Frances Ivy McWilliams (nee Albertson), his brother, David I. McWilliams, Q.C., sister-in-law, Beverly, of Windsor, ON and his parents, Lorna Ireland McWilliams, Q.C., and David B. McWilliams, P.Eng. Dearly missed by his children, Susan, Darcy and Brian and his cherished grandchildren Andrew, Shay and Marlow, and his cousin, Bain Ireland. At 16 yrs entered Harvard interrupting his studies in 1944 to join the U.S. Navy and serve in Hawaii, Japan and China. Pursued the legal profession of his mother, grandfather, brother and attended Osgoode Hall. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1953 and began legal career in Milton, ON. In 1958 appointed the sole Crown Attorney for Halton County and served with distinction for 10 yrs. Halton Conservative Candidate under Robert Stanfield in 1968 confronting Trudeaumania. Practiced law in Milton and Oakville as an outstanding courtroom lawyer and formidable adversary. A sincere and wily advocate for the underdog, Peter saw Dickens in everyday life. His deep belief in correcting injustice led him to take on lawsuits many lawyers shied away from including actions against police wrongdoing. An esteemed courtroom lawyer and legal scholar he wrote and edited for 30 yrs McWilliams on Canadian Criminal Evidence, a text which continues today. In 1990 he published The Rambling Tales of A Country Lawyer, about the bench, bar, and people of Halton County. Bencher, Law Society of Upper Canada 197883, President Halton County Law Assoc. 1968-69 and mentor to many lawyers. Peter mastered the slopes of Osler Bluff and the wind on the Patricia with Commodore Wade at the R.C.Y.C. and was a founding director of the Bronte Harbour Yacht Club. The last few years he faithfully attended his UTS Class of 1943 luncheons and Harvard Class of 1949 reunions. Known for his sartorial elegance Peter was Oakville's own Rumpole of the Bailey. A powerful storyteller with trenchant wit and a photographic memory of everything he read since Kindergarten. Keeping with his love of Dickens he saw himself as an uncommercial traveler enjoying the happenings and company of each day's journey. He will be remembered for his profound love of the law, history and his family. Memorial Service at Maplegrove United Church, 346 Maplegrove Drive, Oakville, Thurs, Jun 9th, 3pm. PETER KIMBER MCWILLIAMS, Q.C.