Glenn

When one loses a friend, or a partner, or a mentor, the void that is left is soon filled with fond memories. But when one loses one who was all three, the void seems boundless.

On November 12, 2012 we lost Glenn, our friend, partner and mentor. As we suspected during his lifetime, and now know with certainty, he touched the lives of so many with his humour, love of life, and respect for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

After graduating in mechanical engineering and law school at the University of Manitoba, Glenn worked briefly as a landscape architect in Winnipeg. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1966 and, after a short time with the Aikens McAuley firm, migrated to Vancouver in 1968 to practise with Worrell Scott & Page and then Farris & Co. He there became embroiled as legal counsel in one of British Columbia’s and Canada’s longest lasting pieces of construction litigation, the Bennett Dam Case, a role he carried on at the law firm of Bull, Housser & Tupper, where he became a partner in 1978.

We were the beneficiaries of the next step in an illustrious career when, in 1986, Glenn joined us as a founding partner of Singleton Reynolds, having moved from the 30th floor of the Royal Bank Tower, with a view of English Bay and the coastal mountains, to the second floor of a two-storey building above a print shop at the corner of Helmcken and Seymour Streets. From those humble beginnings, for the next 27 years he touched the lives of hundreds of lawyers and staff who passed through our doors and he played a key role in building our firm to what it is today.

Glenn gave to all who would listen, and even to some who feigned resistance, invaluable lessons on the skills of his trade. He befriended all who crossed his path and impressed upon them the importance of excellence and caring in all they do. And, of course, he told stories and tales that would captivate your attention and imagination and would often engage one’s humourous side, which, he knew more than anyone, played such an important part in the work we do, in our play, and in our lives.

In those 27 years, like a rolling stone, Glenn gathered no moss. He was an active barrister, appearing as an advocate in many cases at all levels of the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He made considerable contributions to the law as it relates to professionals in the construction, accounting, and legal fields. He also taught law at the University of British Columbia Law School, gave innumerable lectures and seminars to members of the industries he practised in and, in his later years, became a much sought after mediator and arbitrator. None of this ever seemed to be ‘work’ to Glenn. He approached all these roles with passion, remarkable skill and, without exception, a sense of humour.

Glenn’s personal life was no less accomplished. He was immensely proud of his sons Darren and Robbie and would frequently regale us with stories, always laced with humour, of each of their experiences in life. And, in his time with us, he met the love of his life, Karen, with whom he danced the light fantastic in the bucolic setting of their cattle/duck/ornamental tree farm in Mission and on their multiple trips to the far reaches of our planet.

His friends were so important to him—and he to them. His summer fishing boat trips and, later, golf trips with many of his closest friends were legend. He let us know that on his return from each adventure with stories not to be repeated here.

Glenn’s life was full, it was elevating, it was filled with goodness, friendship and accomplishment. Our friend, partner and mentor, or “Glennie” or “Uncle Glennie” as he was fondly called by many around here, will be greatly missed and now, with certainty, forever remembered.

May his journey be filled with peace and love.

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