Richard D. Tingle, Q.C. (1940-2007)

 

Richard Douglas Tingle passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 of complications arising from esophageal cancer. He was the loving husband and best friend for over forty years of his wife, Anne, and a revered father who played an important part in the lives of his five children, Bryce, Anne Margaret, Sarah Jean, Morgan and Fraser. Richard was born October 31, 1940 in St. Paul, Alberta to Margaret Fraser and C.N. (Pete) Tingle. He is survived by his sister Jean Collins and his brother Aubrey Tingle.

Like his father, Richard graduated as a medalist from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law and studied at the London School of Economics on an IODE scholarship, as his father had. He practiced law from 1963 to 1992 with the same firm, serving much of his last decade there as its managing partner. Richard was granted the designation of Q.C. (Queen's Counsel) in 1981 in recognition of his valuable contributions to the broader legal community. In 1993, Richard started a firm with his oldest son, which is now known as TingleMerrett LLP.

He loved the law, taking great joy in his practice, and worked until his illness prevented him from doing so. He had an extensive understanding of the law, and was a tremendous resource to clients and colleagues alike, with a remarkable ability to penetrate to the heart of, and elegantly solve, complicated legal and business issues. Richard frequently taught classes at the University of Calgary Law School, and sat on numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards. He mentored young lawyers throughout his career, including two sons and a daughter who practice law as well as two sons-in-law, one of whom took part of his articles under Richard. Clients appreciated his analytical mind, always tempered by kindness and compassion. The Richard D. Tingle Q.C. Scholarship has been awarded at Louise Dean School annually for over twenty-five years.

Richard was active both politically and in his community throughout his life, and held a number of leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons). Over the years Richard set an abiding example to his children of faithful, selfless service. A natural optimist, he greeted even his serious illness with faith in the promises of Christianity.

Richard was a wonderful, loving and proud father, who enjoyed being a grandpa to thirteen grandchildren. In 2000, he and his wife created a family gathering place near Waterton National Park where he could help raise free-range grandchildren and spend time with those he loved. It became an important place to him, and a peaceful refuge that he visited as often as he could.

A consistently fair and gentle man, Richard touched the lives of all with whom he came into contact, and will be fondly remembered for his unfailing generosity, common sense, kindness, and patience.

(Obituary published in The Calgary Herald, June-July 2007)