Robert McKercher

McKERCHER,

Robert H. KC

May 6, 1930 - December 15, 2024

With great sadness we wish to announce the passing of Robert H. McKercher KC on December 15, 2025 at the age of 94 years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margaret (Peggy), and his three children, daughter Nancy Bell of Campbell River, BC, son Duncan (Heike) of Saskatoon, and son Malcolm (Cheryl) of Teranaki, New Zealand, and his seven grandchildren Jonathan, Kaelem, Liam, Malak, Kieran, Kelly and Callum and two great grandchildren.

Bob was born in Saskatoon on May 6, 1930 to Stewart and Marie McKercher. Bob grew up in Saskatoon, attending Albert School and City Park Collegiate before pursuing his law degree at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 and then a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1952. Upon encouragement by one of his university law professors to apply for the Master's program at Harvard, Bob applied for and was awarded the first recipient of the MacKenzie King Scholarship for a Canadian at Harvard Law School. After their marriage in August 1952, Bob and Peggy moved to Boston where Bob began his studies. Bob found Harvard Law School an unforgettable experience and often said: "The university reflects a depth of learning, a depth of interest, and the desire to improve the lot of mankind that we found fascinating and which profoundly affected Peggy and I the rest of our lives". Bob graduated Harvard LLM in 1953.

The summer of 1954 was spent living in Saskatoon where Bob articled with Emmett Hall, who later became Chief Justice of both Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal in Saskatchewan and later sat on the Supreme Court of Canada. After being admitted to the bar in October 1955 Bob and Peggy moved to Ottawa where Bob articled with the Gowling firm where he worked closely with Mr. Gordon Henderson, one of the outstanding councils in Canada. In 1961 Bob and Peggy returned to Saskatoon as Bob's desire was to have his own law firm and to be able to farm.

Bob litigated in every level of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court many times. He served two terms as President of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and was elected National President of the CBA serving from 1983 to 1984. He also served as President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan in 1978, and was involved in numerous other international legal and business associations.

One of Bob's passions was raising registered Aberdeen Angus cattle on his farm south of Saskatoon. He considered one of his greatest achievements to be named Honorary President of the Saskatchewan Angus Association in 1997. After a day at the office, Bob enjoyed spending hours in the pasture observing his cows.

In August 2018, Bob and Peggy retired to Crossmount, Saskatchewan, where they happily enjoyed new friends and all the excitement of happenings within the community, including regular visits by their Saskatoon grandchildren.

A private ceremony for immediate family will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army or to a charity of choice. To share memories and condolences please visit www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.