John Wilson Morden

I first met John in 2005, when I was a summer student at Heenan Blaikie. I had read his judgments in law school. I knew his reputation. I knew the reverence with which professors spoke his name. But nothing prepares you for meeting a giant who treats you like a peer from the very first conversation. In 2010, when Toronto faced the turmoil of the G20 Summit, John was asked to lead the Independent Civilian Review. I will never forget the moment he walked down the hall, knocked on my door, and asked me to serve as his lead counsel. Working alongside him on that nationally significant mandate remains one of the greatest honours of my career. His integrity, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to truth shaped not only that review, but the path I have walked ever since. To a life and career lived beautifully. Rest in peace Justice Morden. We are all the better for having known you.LikeReply8 Reactions9 ReactionsStan G. Fisher Q.C.2moReport this commentThank you Ryan for that beautiful tribute to my dear friend, classmate,colleague and partner in fighting antisemitism. John and I entered U of T law school in 1956 as the first class housed at Glendon campus. We were part of a small group that had the best teachers at their prime. John was an outstanding student. We were called to the Bar in 1961. I had the pleasure and honour of clerking for the Court of Appeal where I worked briefly for John’s father, Ken Morden.