Leonard THORNBOROUGH

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THORNBOROUGH: Leonard James, Q.C. (“Jim”) August 10, 1947 – Glenboro, Manitoba August 15, 2019 – Okotoks, AlbertaLeonard James (Jim) Thornborough, Q.C., passed away in Okotoks, Alberta on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the age of 72. Jim was born in Glenboro, MB, the second son of Leonard and Mary (Mattie) Thornborough. He was raised on the family farm along with his older brother, Henry and his younger sister, Nancy. Jim graduated from Glenboro Collegiate in 1966 and enrolled in St John’s College in Winnipeg, from which he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Eileen Arason, in 1969, Jim was accepted into the University of Manitoba Law School and received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1973. During his law school education, Jim demonstrated an aptitude for and keen interest in trial advocacy, co-winning the Western Canadian Moot Court competition in 1972. Jim and Eileen welcomed three children, Carrie, born in 1971, Catharine, born in 1973, and Jeremy, born in 1974. After his graduation from law school, Jim and Eileen moved their family to Brandon, MB, eventually opening a law practice along with two partners, Paul Roy and Robert Johnson. He engaged in a general law practice, and was sought after and respected for his ability to effectively and forcefully advocate for his clients, both inside the courtroom and out. He was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba in 1982. Jim married Gloria Lamb in 1981 and they welcomed a daughter, Sarah, in 1985. Also in 1985, Jim received his call to the bar in Alberta and decided to relocate to Calgary. He began practicing at the firm Smeltz Engel in 1986 and would continue to practice with his law partner and dear friend, Morris Smeltz, Q.C. (Manitoba) until Jim’s retirement in 2019 at the age of 71. At the time of his retirement, Jim was a senior partner at Thornborough Smeltz LLP, a midsized firm in south Calgary. In 1987, Jim married Leslie Wilton, and they welcomed a daughter, Amanda, in 1990. During the course of his practice in Calgary, Jim specialized in, amongst other things, representing plaintiffs in serious bodily injury cases and in representing other lawyers in discipline matters before the Law Society of Alberta. Jim’s dedication to and proficiency in the practice of law led to his appointment as Queen’s Counsel by Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor for Alberta in January, 2014. In 2009, Jim moved from the city of Calgary proper to an acreage near Dewinton to fulfill his desire for a quieter, more peaceful residence reminiscent of his rural roots where he could spend his spare time gardening and wood working. The acreage also provided more space for his beloved hounds (he usually had at least two at any given time) to roam. Jim was keenly interested in politics. During his time in Brandon, Manitoba, he was a dedicated member of the Progressive Conservative Party and stood as their candidate for the Brandon East Constituency in the provincial election of 1978. He enjoyed lively political debates over dinners or drinks with friends and family, and his charm and persuasiveness made these discussions enjoyable even if the political views of the participants differed. Jim was a gifted curler, playing lead on the rink that won the Manitoba Provincial championship in 1974 and going on to play in the Brier that same year. He enjoyed the socializing and camaraderie involved in the game, and continued to play recreationally for many years both in Brandon and in Calgary. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a member at Carnmoney Golf and Country Club for several years. Jim was a dyed in the wool anglophile, and in his spare time enjoyed traveling, primarily to the United Kingdom which he visited at least six times to enjoy the history, the beautiful countryside, the architecture, and the pubs. Jim was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Henry, in 2018. He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Marty), his five children, Carrie (Mike), Cathi (Kent), Jeremy (Megan), Sarah (Len), and Amanda; and by his five grandchildren, Matthew, Brady, Lauren, Jane and Leo. He is also survived by many extended family and many dear friends who will miss his charm, wit, and interesting conversations about politics, history, law, philosophy and current events. A Memorial Service to commemorate Jim will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences may beforwarded throughMcInnisandHolloway.comFor those who so desire, memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1S1, Phone: (403) 995-4673, countryhospice.org or to the Salvation Army, 1731 29th St. SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6, on line at www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and volunteers at Foothills Country Hospice who provided exemplary and compassionate care to Jim in his final days and hours and for the kindness and professionalism they showed to his family.In living memory of James Thornborough, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 20, 2019