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BORN
1928
DIED
2023
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Donovan Waters Obituary
1928 - 2023
Donovan Waters passed away on September 9, 2023 in Ottawa, Canada, at the age of 95 after a long life of personal happiness and professional fulfilment. Donovan was born in Brighton, England and studied law at Oxford University and the University of London. He pursued a career as a professor of law and a legal scholar at universities in England and Canada, including McGill University and the University of Victoria. After retirement as emeritus professor, he practiced law for over two decades as counsel for law firms in Vancouver and Victoria. He combined great scholarship with a love and flair for teaching, garnering a devoted contingent of students over the years who still remember his lectures and laugh at his jokes.
Donovan's legacy as a legal scholar remains in the many articles and books he authored, in particular his landmark book The Law of Trusts in Canada. First published in 1974, it has subsequently seen four further editions (the last three with co-authors) and has been read, consulted and cited by students, legal practitioners and judges across Canada. In addition, it raised Canada's profile as an important jurisdiction in trusts law and made Donovan a recognized international expert. Donovan's academic achievement was recognized with two honorary doctorates and a DCL from Oxford University, as well as a lifetime achievement award from STEP International.
Donovan had a very happy family life, married for 57 years to his late beloved wife Maryla. He is survived by their three children, Catherine, Anne-Marie and Alastair, and their four much-loved grandchildren, Jonah, Alex, Benjy and Claire. He was a loving, gentle and generous father and grandfather, who could talk to his family about esoteric subjects and then burst into song. He and Maryla had a rich life of travel, the arts, family, and a great number of wonderful friends in Victoria, across Canada, England and all around the world.
Although Donovan's family and friends mourn his passing, we celebrate his long and happy life and his legacy of love, friendship and scholarship. A celebration of life will be held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2pm.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-233-1143
Memories and Condolences
for Donovan Waters
5 Entries
Linda Roggeveen
October 21, 2023
I had the distinct honour of being a student of Dr. Waters when I was in first year Law at UVic in 1979. His energy, wit, generosity and amazing knowledge made every class a joy! I will never forget his examples of how to sever a joint tenancy...it always involved the Bloggs family. My deepest condolences to his family. Your father and grandfather was an amazing man who could never be forgotten by anyone who met him.
Andrea Bridgeman
October 10, 2023
Dear Waters Family: our fathers met 70 years ago at the U Chicago law school and I believe lived together. Lester and soon Clydine became fast friends with your parents, and you all visited us at our home in Alexandria, Virginia in the mid `60s. We spent a Christmas with you around 1967 in Montreal.
On a solo trip to Britain in 1975, I stayed with Maryla´s parents in Birkenhead for a few days and with Donovan´s sister on the south coast.
My sister Judie and I are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if you plan to visit the US east of the Mississippi River.
Rog Denley
September 28, 2023
One of my fondly remembered professors from over 30 years ago, and a resident of the same neighbourhood in recent years. That gave me the pleasure of an ever-humourous chat during chance encounters. A true gentleman and scholar, and one whose views on laundry drying in the backyard I will always recall. I am happy that he was with us for so many years.
Marlene Thomas
September 23, 2023
This message is directed to Anne-Marie Waters, daughter of Donovan Waters. I worked with Anne-Marie for several years in the practice of law for the federal government in Toronto. I send my deepest sympathy to Anne-Marie and the family of Mr. Waters at this time of loss. I trust that your many happy memories of his life will sustain you now. Most sincerely, Marlene Thomas, September 23, 2023.
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Arthur Drache
September 23, 2023
Donovan was a great (if distant) friend, a supporter and a great contributor to Canadian law.
ABCDrache, CM KC
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Memorial Events
for Donovan Waters
Funeral services provided by:
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - Central Chapel315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2