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William Aubrey TETLEY
William Aubrey TETLEY
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William TETLEY Obituary
C.M., Q.C., LL.L.
February 10, 1927 – July 1, 2014
Lawyer, politician, law professor, author, collector of Canadian art, William A. Tetley passed away peacefully in Montreal, Quebec at age 87 years. Beloved husband of 59 years to Rosslyn (nee Abraham). Loving father of Pauline (Craig Duncan) (Toronto), Jane (Thomas Logan) (Ottawa), Priscilla (Vancouver Island) and William Peter (Heather McPherson)(Montreal). Cherished grandfather of Thea, Alexandra, William, Fraser, James, Morganne, Audrey-Anne, Malcolm and Matthew. He will also be sadly missed by his sister Helen in Toronto. Family and friends will remember him for his deep passion for Canadian art, his work ethic and his contributions in time and financial support to organizations including St. Peter's Church, Frontier College, and Société Pro Musica. Mr. Tetley graduated from the Royal Canadian Naval College (1945) where he was Chief Cadet Captain. He served at sea as a Midshipman, before earning a B.A. (Honours Economics, McGill) and a law degree from Laval. He then practiced civil, commercial and maritime law from 1952 to 1970, and was a senior partner in Martineau, Walker, Allison, Beaulieu & Tetley (today Fasken Martineau). Mr. Tetley represented N.D.G. in the Quebec National Assembly from 1968 to 1976, serving as a Cabinet Minister under Premier Robert Bourassa. From 1976 to 2012, he was Professor of Law at McGill University and for 14 years was also Visiting Professor of Maritime and Commercial Law at Tulane University in New Orleans. An award-winning author of books on international maritime law which have been translated into Russian, Japanese and Chinese, he also wrote a book on the FLQ crisis from his perspective as a Cabinet Minister at the time: The October Crisis, 1970: An Insider's View. Throughout his lengthy career, Mr. Tetley earned many honours. In 1981, he won the "Lilar Prize" of Brussels, awarded every three years for international maritime law. In 1994, he was named Hon. Life Vice-President of the Comité Maritime International Brussels. In 1995, he was named a member of the Order of Canada. In 1999, Tulane University named an annual lecture series in his honour. He received the F.R. Scott Award from McGill University's Faculty of Law in 2007 to recognize his significant contribution to law, and his exceptional service and leadership to society. Visitation at Urgel Bourgie, 1255 Beaumont, TMR on Monday, July 7, 2014 from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial Service at St. Peter's Church in TMR at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Société Pro Musica.
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25 Entries
Jean-Michel Moriniere
October 28, 2014
I have just learned about the passing away of "Bill" as he liked to be called. I will regret both the great legal scholar and the singular individual with a brilliant independent mind and spirit. I will keep fond memories of my research with him and our cultural trip to Pont Aven. I express my sincere condolence to his wife Rosslyn and all his familly. JMM (Nantes - France)
Rosie Szewczuk
July 11, 2014
I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was one of my favorite law professors at McGill and our class fondly called him "Wild Bill" because he was so full of spontaneity. I learned a lot of practical "stuff" from him that serves me well to this day. He will be missed.
Daniya Shalgumbayeva
July 9, 2014
It is hard to believe that Professor W.Tetley will no longer be with us.
I am very familiar with Prof.Tetley's wonderful variety of monographs devoted to admiralty issues. I have had an opportunity to read virtually all his works devoted to Carriage of Goods by Sea while studying in Aberdeen, and most of them served as a reference material for my essay on this subject.
My knowledge of the admiralty issues and private international law will always be associated with the name of William Tetley. His contribution to the legal studies and academic community will remain for ever.
Daniya Shalgumbayeva
July 8, 2014
I have never met with Prof. Tetley, but he used to be, and will still be, my best example of the professor of maritime law and conflict of laws to be. Most of his research was so profound and clear, and most of all, accessible for all through the internet. He is the best professor in his domain in the world, and therefor his loss is a world loss. Our prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. Prof. Nader M. Ibrahim, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Jill Cameron
July 8, 2014
To Jane, Pauline, Priscilla and Billy, and your mum- so sorry to hear of your loss. As a child I really didn't know most of your dad's accomishments, how proud you must be. I do remember his smile and the bow ties and what a glamorous couple he and your stylish mum were! I'm sure you'll smile to find expressions of your dad in his grandchildren and take comfort in his legacy. Warmly, Jill Cameron
anne gal
July 7, 2014
We were sad to hear of Bill's passing.
He had a very devoted family,and what an amazing career! So much to be proud of.
We enjoyed seeing Bill at Le Graham, savouring a good glass of wine and always having interesting discussions.
He had a great journey.
Anne Gal,Maire Gal and family
Regina Asariotis
July 7, 2014
What a great loss. Bill Tetley was one of the greats of maritime law and a real character, with strong opinions, but always open to discussion. He was also kind and funny and seemed to be a man who is happy with his life. He will be very much missed, but he will always be remembered.
July 6, 2014
Ros,Pauline, Jane, Priscilla, Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of your dear husband and father. I always remember the first time I met Bill. I was a little girl having dinner at the Abraham's Royal Ave home when in walked Bill (he had a date eith Rosslyn.) His red hair, wide small and the bow tie really impressed me. His larger than life appearence stayed with me. He was a kind man who generously gave to his country and his family. Wish I could be there to share in the celebration of his very accomplished life. Cousin Margaret
Mary Hodgson
July 5, 2014
Pauline, I am thinking of you and your family. May memories of happy times with your dad give you some peace at this sad time.
July 4, 2014
Nos sincères condoléances à toute la famille.
Pauline et Benoit Beaudoin
Sheila Rubin
July 4, 2014
To Rosslyn and family of Bill Tetley.
We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. I was pleased to call him "friend". Bill was always dignified, patient, generous, a person whom I never heard say "no". In more than one way, he was a gentleman who would always hold open the door.
I am missing him.
Bernard, Sheila Rubin and Debra Bruman
Chantal Kelly
July 4, 2014
Sincere condolences from the Kelly family. I don't know if he and Roz were aware - but we called him the ''Maire of Cornwall''. We know of all his accomplishments, but for us, he was also the grand-father of our street. Form his porch, he genuinely welcomed us and many of the neighbours of our street for cocktails or a warm & always interesting chat. He & Roz never missed a chance to talk or play with our children - Such a wonderful man...We will miss you Mr. Tetley.
July 4, 2014
I am very sad to have lost such a great and firm friend. Bill and I were friends and colleagues commencing in 1964 and continuing throughout our working lives.
Bill also always knew how to throw a great party and we had many such.
My sincere condolences to the family and also to his very wide circle of friends.
Cliff Parfett
Tracy MacKenzie
July 4, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jean Vézina
July 3, 2014
J'aimerais offrir mes condoléances aux membres de la famille Tetley.
July 3, 2014
Our sincere condolences to Roz and the Tetley family. I first met Bill at the McCord Museum and related activities, the memories are of a kind and gentle man, of good counsel , a easy smile and always impeccable ,shirt and bow tie, bursting with such knowledge. Nos pensées chaleureuses à tous. Elsebeth and Jean-Claude Merkly
July 3, 2014
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To a friend of colleague of over 50 years.We had wonderful exchanges in the Courts and even road into Quebec City behind a Santa Claus parade to conduct a discovery while Bill regaled a young and pretty stenographer with his being a clown many years earlier in the Montreal parade. I will miss him a lot, Deepest sympathy to dear Rosalind. Alex Paterson
Christine Boisvert
July 3, 2014
We offer our sincere sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Boll
July 3, 2014
With my heart-felt sympathies
Audrey Berend
July 3, 2014
Sincere sympathy to all of you. I know this is a great loss as I knew him to be lovely, and have heard so many truly endearing stories, and know Rosslyn was completely and utterly devoted. He will live on in your hearts and in your minds; you will hear his voice and know what he would say at every crossroad in life. Wishing you all strength and peace at this time of sorrow.
Svante O. Johansson
July 3, 2014
I wish to convey my condolences to the Tetley family. Bill made my stay 2009/10 at McGill possible and made that year a real adventure. He taught me so much not only about Maritime Law but also about Canada and Quebec. It was such a pleasure to follow him in his intellectual and witty narratives.
Stephen Ziolkowski
July 3, 2014
My profoundest sympathies to all of the Tetley family on the loss of your spouse, father, and grandfather. He was a brilliant and remarkable person and true patriot to Quebec, Canada, and the world.
Colin Gravenor
July 3, 2014
Bill was an extraordinary person, generous and loyal, and a great jurist. He will be missed by many.
Charles Pitts
July 3, 2014
William Aubrey Tetley, C.M., Q.C., LL.L.
It is with a profound sense of loss that my entire family and I learned of the loss of William (Bill) Tetley. It was a great privilege to consider Bill a friend, a man on whom one could always count for wit, humour and significant and informed discussion. A compassionate man, a passionate Quebecer and Canadian, Bill was a fearless champion of the true political and cultural values and interests of the many communities in which he was considered a friend. He was an unwavering and tireless intellectual whose aim was always to enlighten; a remarkably quiet Christian whose faith was a part of every fibre of his being. Bill was blessed by the love of and for his wife, Rosslyn, and his family. Above all, a good man, Bill we will miss your warmth and infectious laugh.
Charles Pitts, Manon Boisvert, Charles Pitts Jr., Matthew Pitts
Adam Cutler
July 3, 2014
This is very sad news. Bill was one of the great ones. Always cheerful and positive with a big laugh ready to add to any conversation. Thank you Bill and Rosslyn for being there for May and Phil all those years and thank you for everything thing that you have done for my family. Adam & Marina Cutler
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1255, avenue Beaumont, Ville Mont Royale, QC H3P 3J1
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