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J. Bruce Carr-Harris, B.A., LL.B., LSM
January 29, 1947 – March 19, 2023
It is with profound sorrow that the family of Bruce Carr-Harris announces his passing. Survived by his loving spouse Janey (Jane Bachynski), daughter Breagha Carr-Harris (Dave Bankes) and grandchildren Harper and Hugo, son David Carr-Harris (Joanna White) and grandchildren Lachlan and Remi, sisters Pennie Carr-Harris (Andy Donovan) and Debbie Carr-Harris, sister-in-law Judi Carr-Harris, nieces and nephews Alix Carr-Harris (Sietse Hylkema), Peter Carr-Harris (Erin Scott), Megan Redmond (Rob) and Harrison Leach (Kelsey Curran), his mother-in-law Margaret Bachynski, his children’s mother Nancy Fulton and members of the Carr-Harris, Bachynski and Fulton families. Predeceased by his father Major Peter R.V. Carr-Harris, his mother Ella G. Carr-Harris (Meating), his brothers A. Denny Carr-Harris and P. David Carr-Harris, and his nephew Benjamin Mason.
Bruce’s enthusiasm for life was infectious and those fortunate to know him well were inspired by the energy, excitement and love with which he lived. He loved travel, living in the moment and events that brought friends and loved ones together. Bruce had an enchantment with the sea that began as a boy and took hold when, as a teenager, he and his family sailed from Kingston, Ontario to the Caribbean. His attachment to the water manifested itself in many ways throughout his life. From sailing regattas to adventures in the Caribbean and South Pacific, a lifetime of fishing on Buck Lake and other waterways and oceans, building his own ship (barge) to captain, to being a licensed scuba diver. Bruce was a founding member of both the Buck Lake Fishing Derby and Sailing Regatta, a founding member and the self-appointed President of the Bad to the Bone Motorcycle Club, a stylish skier, a Broadway enthusiast, an always willing dance partner, a cigar and scotch aficionado, an engaging conversationalist and so much more. Growing up in a military family laid the foundation for his deep interest in military history which culminated in his immense respect for the Canadian military. His quick wit, incredible charm, extreme generosity and character of the highest quality would draw people to him. Bruce loved his friends and family fiercely and was loved the same in return.
Bruce graduated from Carleton University with a B.A. in political science and then went on to study law at the University of Ottawa from which he graduated Magna Cum Laude. After articling with Faskin Calvin, Toronto, he started his practice of law with Scott & Aylen in 1977 becoming a partner in 1981. Subsequently, he was a partner with Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), Ottawa, until he took a much deserved retirement in 2015. Bruce had an exemplary career. As a litigator, he practiced law in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Defamation, Insurance Law, Profession Liability, Employment Law, Administrative Law, Judicial Review and Domestic and International Arbitrations, always with the utmost of integrity, civility and zealous advocacy for his clients. As a leader, he was a Board member of the Advocates’ Society of Ontario (TAS) for nine years culminating as President in 2001-02. He was instrumental in the drafting of The Principles of Civility for the TAS. He was admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) in 2000. He was the founding President of the Canadian Foundation of the ACTL. He was inducted into the University of Ottawa Common Law Honour Society in 2007. He was a member of the Ontario Judicial Council. He has appeared before all levels of Courts in Canada, as well as the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He has also appeared as counsel before several Inquests, Inquiries and Royal Commissions. He was a member of BLG’s Management Committee and National Council. As a mentor and a teacher, he was both a student and teacher of the law, formally at the University of Ottawa and informally through his practice and love of the law working with young lawyers. He was also instrumental in the TAS publication Advocates Guide to Good Mentoring. As a writer, he was published over thirty times and sat on the Editorial Boards of various publications. He had a strong commitment to the continuing legal education of litigation counsel, both through his writings and his participation as a speaker and panelist at numerous programs. For his extraordinary legal accomplishments, he was awarded the John P. Nelligan Award for Excellency in Advocacy in 2009 and the Law Society Medal (LSM) in 2012.
Bruce was a great contributor to community, local and beyond. He served on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Orbis Canada, the Sally Letson Foundation and the Canadian Foundation of the ACTL. He was also a persuasive fundraiser for several community and charitable organizations.
Bruce was many things to many people. What we all have in common is that we truly loved him and will miss him beyond measure.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity of your choice.
A reception will be held at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 2pm to 7pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Military College (RMC), Senior Staff Mess, Kingston on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Arrangements through Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa.
Sunday March 19th 2023
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
death notice J Bruce Carr-Harris BA LLB LSM Sunday March 19th 2023
obituaries notice J Bruce Carr-Harris BA LLB LSM Sunday March 19th 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of J Bruce Carr-Harris BA LLB LSM Sunday March 19th 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
