Alexander David Pringle

PRINGLE, Alexander David, Q.C. August 6, 1947 - June 20, 2015 Alex approached death as he did life, with determination, courage and strength. He died at the family home in Victoria, where he was able to enjoy the last three years of his life amidst the island beauty and peace. He leaves in deep sadness, his life partner, Sheila Greckol, and their three children, Thomas, Anna and Sarah; his sister Heather and her husband Geoff; his in-laws, Lu, Mona (Stephen), Debbie (Bob), and Allison, nephews and nieces, as well as a community of friends, former students, members of the bar and bench, all of whom knew him as friend. Alex was predeceased by baby Charlotte, and adored parents, Alex and Greta. His father, who navigated a Lancaster in WWII and was a professional hockey player, instilled in him the strength of character and integrity for which he was so well known; and his literary mother, the love of learning. Alex in turn was a wise counsellor and protector to his family of which he was so proud. Alex graduated from University of Toronto Law School in 1971 and practised law until early this year. His career as a criminal lawyer based in Edmonton took him across Canada and the North. He appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on many occasions, as well as before all levels of court, Commissions of Inquiry and tribunals. His cases were many and varied, including early Charter litigation and defence of the first international corruption cases litigated in Canada, treating each case, large or small, as the most important. A lawyer's lawyer, he received awards for his service to the profession, as he exemplified the highest traditional values of the practice of law. He was known for his sage advice, capacity for deep concentration, and formidable knowledge of the criminal law. Alex' love of nature was his religion. This led him to early environmental activism as a founder of the Environmental Resource Centre and to initiating criminal process for the Fort McKay First Nation against an offending oil company. He realized his dream of having a family cabin at Lake Edith in Jasper National Park where the family spent many memorable years. With his family and friends, he enjoyed his favourite things: hockey, road trips and big cities, avant garde art and architecture, four newspapers a day, golf, smart women, and hockey. Alex was a hockey coach and mentor to many young people. He taught criminal law at the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, for thirty years and was active in continuing legal education to lawyers and judges in many fora. An inspired teacher, he received multiple teaching awards. There are two prizes in criminal law in his name. His legacy is a law firm of vibrant, committed young lawyers, a generation of lawyers with a deep respect for the profession and rule of law, as well as the Pringle theory of criminal law, which holds that the criminal law is designed to protect the rights of everyday people who may transgress by dint of chance or circumstance and richly deserve the generous application of reasonable doubt; while still permitting of deserved consequences. Alex found good in almost everyone, believing in the power of forgiveness, redemption and the importance of second chances, though he did not suffer fools gladly. He believed there was no problem that could not be solved. Alex brought to bear his thoughtful, quiet, humble approach to helping people most days of the last forty years. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Alex' memory may do so to the Edmonton Community Foundation, Alexander Pringle QC Trust. Proceeds will be directed to IHuman Youth Society, a project for homeless youth that he supported for many years, with his deep empathy for children of First Nations descent. The family wishes to express gratitude to the health care professionals, as well as the many others who extended such kindness throughout this journey, in the community, the profession, and at court. In particular in Edmonton, we wish to thank Dr. Gordon Lees and Dr. Andrew Scarfe; and in Victoria, Hospice and Dr. David Bell. A celebration of life will be held at Robertson-Wesley United Church in Edmonton on Thursday June 25, 2015 at 1 PM.