It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William L. Britton, Q.C., our longtime colleague and a legendary leader of our firm. Bill was 82. He passed away peacefully on February 6, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Bill joined us in 1962 and spent his entire legal career with us. Following his retirement as a partner in 2005, he served as our Chairman Emeritus. He served as our first Managing Partner for 16 years, from 1981–1996, defining our modern culture and stewarding us through two decades of unprecedented growth and prosperity. Our success is rooted in his dedication to the firm and his tremendous influence on our culture. Bill was a legendary figure in our incredible history.
Bill was a giant of a man—bold, courageous and visionary, with a compassion and decency befitting a man of great faith and dedication to family.
Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Bill was a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours). He then went on to the University of British Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Laws in 1962.
During law school and his early years as a lawyer, Bill played football with the BC Lions and the Calgary Stampeders for seven years as a linebacker and fullback. He was later the President of the Calgary Stampeders and a Director of the Denver Broncos, earning two Super Bowl rings in the 1990's.
Bill was a trusted advisor to many clients, serving as a lawyer, business advisor and director.
Bill and his wife of 56 years, Linda, have four children, twenty-three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They also have a foster daughter and son-in-law with three children.
We are deeply indebted to Bill for his remarkable legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Britton family.
Bennett Jones