John Hamilton Brockenshire

BROCKENSHIRE, John Hamilton Son of the late Dr. Freeman and Gladys (Nicholls) Brockenshire. On December 19th, 2018, the Honourable Mr. Justice John H. Brockenshire passed away peacefully with family by his side. He will be greatly missed by sons David (Frances), St. Catherines ON, Brian (Ceris), London ON and daughter Nancy (Kate), Windsor ON, along with his grandchildren Evan, Dawson, Nathan, Rowan and Aidan. John was predeceased by Norma, his wife of more than 56 years and his brother Franklin. John was born in 1934 and was a lifelong resident of Windsor, graduating with a B.A. from Assumption University with a provincial medal in Economics. He then attended Osgoode Hall and York University in Toronto for his L.L.B., completing his call to the Bar in 1959. John had a distinguished career as a lawyer both in partnership and as a sole practitioner in Windsor and Amherstburg from 1959 to 1991 involving almost all areas of legal practice. He was also the Town of Amherstburg’s Solicitor for more than 30 years and was honoured with a Queen’s Counsel designation in 1974. In 1991 John was appointed a Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario and served until his full retirement in 2009. He also performed several other judicial roles including Designated Justice for Class Action Matters and member of the Canadian Pension Appeals Board. Many also knew him as Special Lecturer and Sessional Instructor for the University of Windsor Law and Business Schools where he was conferred an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws. John lived a full life academically, socially, philanthropically and spiritually. He was very involved with his family, loved time at the cottage and contributed to the community by volunteering his skills and knowledge on numerous boards for over 40 years including; United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Cancer Society, Windsor Aquatic Club, Canterbury College and the University of Windsor. Both John and Norma cherished the numerous social gatherings they hosted and attended, especially with Norma’s Cape Breton family and with their many friends closer to home. John was also an active member of his parish community serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Reader. A special thank you to Nancy Gibbons for her friendship and support over the years and to the Village of Aspen Lake staff for all their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for family and friends on Saturday, December 22nd at 2 p.m. at St John Vianney Church, 385 Dieppe Street. Online condolences may be left at www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com while memorial tributes to the University of Windsor, Hospice of Windsor & Essex County, or the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation would be appreciated by the family.