Hugh C. Stansfield

STANSFIELD Hugh Campbell The Honourable Hugh C. Stansfield, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia, died May 7, 2009 at age 56, having lived a life richly blessed by family, friends and professional opportunity. 33 years of marriage with Jo-Ann provided the structure, fun and purpose of family, from which sprung Hugh's greatest joy and pride in life, his four beloved sons: Colin (Connie), David, Patrick (Cara), and Matthew (Brittany). Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Harriett Stansfield, and survived by Jo-Ann's parents, David and Shirley Giles; his three siblings, Margaret, Dorothy (Jack) and Keith (Kathy), Jo-Ann's siblings, David (Mary) and Donna (Bill), the next generation of nieces and nephews, special friends Matthew, Anna and Markus, and an array of other wonderful friends. After UBC Law, Hugh practiced law in Vancouver for 13 years until being appointed a judge of the Provincial Court in 1993. Hugh loved judging, and never lost sight of what a privilege it is to serve the public in that role. He served the Court in many different capacities, including Associate Chief Judge 1997-2001. Hugh particularly valued his relationship with the National Judicial Institute, and enjoyed offering leadership in continuing judicial education. But his passion was his strongly-held belief in the need for substantial systemic reform to the justice system; his belief that the public deserves more meaningful access to justice emphasizing simple, practical problem-solving and community engagement. Hugh was a pioneer in Canada in opening the Court to the media, and providing opportunities for public concerns to be heard. In July 2005 Hugh was appointed Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, an opportunity for which he was very grateful, hoping he might have some small influence in promoting a new vision for justice for British Columbians. Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Toze and Dr. Clay Smith, and all the medical and nursing staff of the VGH Leukemia/Bone marrow transplant team, whose care has been remarkable. Service to be held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church, Nelson and Burrard, Vancouver. Reception to follow at the Wall Centre. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation to be directed to the Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant Program, or donating blood - a gift of life!