On April 3, 2022, Christian Wiktor, Professor Emeritus of Law, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a lengthy illness that he managed with great strength, determination and courage. Christian was born on June 23, 1933 in Léon, France. After WWll, Christian moved back with his family to Poland. Christian dreamed of being a pilot but a chance to write a law essay competition changed the course of his life. He won the competition and the prize was a trip to Copenhagen where he met the love of his life, Bodil. He then attended the Sorbonne in France where he received his law degree. Moving with his family to New York City, he attended Columbia University as well as worked at the NY Public Library. He then worked at the Buffalo Law School and subsequently moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he was Professor of Law and Chief Law Librarian at Dalhousie University. One of his many accomplishments was tirelessly rebuilding and restoring the Weldon Law Library after it was destroyed by a terrible fire in 1985. His life's work in research included bibliographies of multilateral treaties, constitutions of Canada, marine affairs and ocean law. He continued on with this work up until recently with the help and support of his colleague, Alford Duncan, Professor of Law at the University of South Carolina.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bodil; son Tom; daughters Marie (Terry Main) and Monique (George Trifos), two sisters, Jasia Nadolny and Mila Galik, niece Ela (children, Anna & Maciek) and grandchildren Dylan Main and Vasili Trifos. He is also survived by other extended family especially the Madsens and Dhaliwals.
Christian was exceptional in many areas of his life in addition to academics; his devotion, loyalty and support to family, friends and colleagues with a willingness to help in any way he could. He also seemed to be able to accomplish anything he set his mind to. He truly believed you could accomplish anything with hard work and following your dreams.
Christian had numerous interests - he had a great love of travel, nature, arts, literature, music, history and especially photography. He took joy in so many simple things in life and could surprise you by fixing anything. He had great wit along with an ability to debate on any topic. Christian was a true gentleman. Thanks to him we enjoyed numerous family trips and adventures, and one of his last favorite trips was when he and his wife Bodil went to Turkey and Greece.
Christian had amazing care through his health care journey. Thank you to the Dialysis staff; Access a Bus Drivers; ER staff; Geriatrics; various in-patient units. A special thank you to Dr. Robinson and her team who always saw the man behind the illness. A very special thank you to Katie, Heather, Tammy and ALL the staff at Parkstone Enhanced Care for their loving care of our dad in his final home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the QEll Foundation; Dalhousie University or any charity. Also, as he loved planting trees and helping others, plant a tree in his honor or lend a hand of support when you can. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Cruikshanks Funeral Home on Windsor Street in Halifax from 4-6 pm and funeral service will be held at Cruikshanks on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 2 pm.
Christian had a life well lived and he was deeply loved! He will always be in our hearts and will live on through all of us and his many accomplishments! Rest in peace, thank you and we will love and miss you always.
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