Our beloved Donald G. Bishop, KC, former Counsel and then Ambassador of the firm passed away on June 7, 2025 at 85 years old. Don was a familiar face around the Edmonton office for nearly 30 years until 2020.
Don got his start in legal practice with our firm in 1962 when he articled to Ken McKenzie, QC. He stepped away in the mid-60s to serve our nation in the Foreign Service, including in Cold war-era Warsaw. He later founded the Edmonton law firm Lucas Bishop. In 1992 Don returned to B&M and practiced as a valued member of our firm for his final 3 decades. Over the course of his career Don served as a Bencher and as President of the Law Society of Alberta where he was instrumental to the founding of ALIA and as President the CBA Alberta Chapter. Don was proud to be an honorary life member of the Legal Archives Society of Alberta and was an enthusiastic participant in a Legal Forum group that met for many years. Don earned a Distinguished Service award for the positive impact that he had in promoting the profession and specifically enhancing the public’s perception of lawyers.
There are many in the firm today who are fortunate to have had sage guidance from him on keeping good notes, maintaining integrity and strong advocacy on files.
A genuinely warm person, gifted story-teller, animal lover, and careful lawyer, he was a high-water mark example of what a true professional should be and an exemplary member of our firm. Don will be remembered with affection and ongoing gratitude for all of his efforts to mentor and guide others in the profession of law and generally in life. He was a true gentleman through and through.
We will remember him with a smile.