Silas Halyk

Silas "Si" Halyk, a distinguished legal luminary, friend, mentor, and family man, departed this world on December 2, 2024. He leaves behind his family, a legacy of professional excellence and a life well-lived. Although Si had been experiencing some health issues over the past few years, tragically, his life did not end from natural causes. It is enraging that he died because of a hospital acquired COVID 19 infection at Royal University Hospital that happened when he was admitted and left for almost five days on a stretcher in the ER for what should have been a manageable health issue. Out of this tragic and unnecessary loss of life, it is our fervent hope that political and health leadership in this Province will take action and stop hiding the severity of the COVID 19 crisis in our hospitals.

A Storied Life and Legal Career

Born in Theodore, Saskatchewan, to Nellie and Barney Halyk who were Ukrainian immigrants from the 1920's, he and his older brother Norbert (Bert) lived in a series of small towns where their father taught in one room schools and both parents operated several small businesses including general stores, hotels and a movie theatre. These humble beginnings and the work ethic of Barney and Nellie were the foundation for his appreciation of those who worked hard and sometimes struggled to survive.

Si demonstrated a rare blend of empathy and social acumen and had an ability to engage effortlessly with individuals across the social spectrum, from those often marginalized to prominent figures in law, business, government, and Indigenous communities. This singular insight enabled Si to deeply understand others' perspectives, identifying their vulnerabilities and strengths with remarkable precision.

His knowledge of people and understanding of the human condition were complemented by his educational and professional experience which included a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Manitoba (1960), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Saskatchewan (1961), and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Michigan (1966).

He articled to Walter Tucker, Q.C. and, after being called to the Saskatchewan Bar (1962), Si's passion for advocacy and his unwavering belief in the Rule of Law propelled him through six decades of legal practice. His journey encompassed roles as prosecutor, criminal defence counsel, civil litigator, negotiator, Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement adjudicator, and esteemed lecturer. He also became a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Law Society of Manitoba. He served as a Bencher and President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan.

Si was a proud barrister with the rare talent of excelling in both criminal and civil cases in the highest Courts of the land. His unique skills as a lawyer allowed a tall, handsome and charming man to win juries over to his clients' positions. He exhibited a remarkable talent for witness examination. He had the ability to take witnesses down a road to a destination they did not anticipate, after a seemingly friendly conversation on the witness stand, subtly leading them to unexpected conclusions that ultimately served his case. This skill showcased his masterful command of courtroom dynamics and strategic thinking. Underneath the showmanship of a talented barrister was a keen legal mind. Junior associates and colleagues marveled at Si's ability to pick up a file, peruse the Briefs of Fact and Law and immediately identify key issues.

In addition to acting in many important and noted cases and Commissions of Inquiry, he was honored to be chosen by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN) as their counsel on several occasions, including representing them at the Neil Stonechild Inquiry in 2003. He was also chosen by various individual Chiefs, some First Nations and the Government of Canada to act as Chief Negotiator in land claims, self-government, and other matters.

A natural advocate, Si declined invitations to be a Professor of Law, or to be appointed to the Court choosing instead to pursue his true passion as a Courtroom lawyer. This was his calling not only because he was naturally suited to it, but because he firmly believed in the Rule of Law, which demands an independent Judiciary and a robust criminal and civil Bar. He believed our legal system, with all its flaws and inequities, was the best protection for Canadian citizens from the arbitrary treatment and oppression commonplace in many other parts of the world. He understood the precious nature of the Rule of Law, and the role lawyers must play to uphold it, especially when they act on behalf of unpopular clients or causes. On his last appearance in Court on January 22, 2014, several of her judicial colleagues joined Justice Mona Dovell of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench, as it then was, as she acknowledged the occasion and paid tribute to a distinguished career.

Si gladly served the public in various other capacities throughout his career as well. He was a member of the Regional Welfare Advisory Board, the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission, the Saskatoon Airport Authority, and the Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judges Commission. He also served the U of S College of Law as a member of the Law Endowment Fund Committee, established an annual prize in Criminal Law, and set up and funded the annual Silas E. Halyk, Q.C. Visiting Scholar in Advocacy Lecture Series and student mentorship advocacy program in 2009.

Si's extensive contributions to the legal profession were recognized in numerous ways, including his Queen's Counsel designation (1975); his induction as a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers (1987); Milvain Chair, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary (1994); the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Bar Association, Saskatchewan Branch (1996); induction as an Honorary Life Member of the Faculty of the National Criminal Law Program of the Federation of Law Societies (2000); University of Saskatchewan Walter Murray Fellow (2000); the Deputy Ministers' Outstanding Achievement Award for work as a Negotiator for Indian Affairs Canada (2000 - 2001); recognition by "Best Lawyers in Canada" as one of the top lawyers in Saskatchewan over several years (2002, 2006, 2008), Lawyer of the Year in the area of Criminal Defence (2012) and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2023).

A Life Beyond the Courtroom

Si's zest for life extended far beyond his professional pursuits. Si and his family, with his brother Bert, loved the outdoor life. He and Bert were not only brothers. They were lifelong best friends and partners. They were so interlinked that when one felt weakness the other gave with his strength. Si talked Bert into business ventures and helped him overcome his fear of flying. For many years he and Bert particularly enjoyed the serene landscapes of Northern Saskatchewan. In their early years, their father built an enclosed camper that was used for many trips, fishing, picking morel mushrooms and exploring new areas and campgrounds in and beyond the province.

The log cabin on Wilde Island in Lac la Ronge served as a cherished retreat, where he indulged in a favorite pastime of fishing, often with friends, family, and colleagues. His love of the outdoors and nature spanned the country from his far north fishing camp in Yellowega to Newfoundland and Labrador, home territory for Catherine (Cathy) Knox who has been his devoted and loving friend, wife and sometimes law partner for the last 33 years. With Cathy, he became a frequent traveler to her province and came to love the beautiful scenery and the people he met there. They also travelled to many luxurious destinations across the world, and Si particularly enjoyed cruising as an easy way to see new places. Si was also an avid aviator. He obtained his pilot's license while living in Michigan in 1966, and he found joy in piloting his own aircraft for several decades. He trained and became an instrument-rated private pilot who often used his Cessna to travel to various Court points in the Province and beyond.

Si leaves behind an extended family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Judy Maathuis (Harm); sons Randy (Audrey); Trevor (Gail) and Ivan (Purl), four grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicolas, Griffin, and Tia and a number of step grandchildren, including Asya Zosel (Stacey) and her children, Jennifer and Ricky Maathuis, Kyle Mehr and Purl's children. Si is also survived by his sister-in- law, Velmarie Halyk, his adoring niece, Jill Halyk Briones (Roberto), and her beautiful children, Victoria and Alexander, and his ex-wife, Glenda. Although there are too many to name, Si is also survived by Cathy's seven siblings, and her nieces and nephews and their children, many of whom developed loving and nurturing relationships with him over the past 33 years.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Nellie and Barney, infant sister Augusta, brother Norbert, sisters-in-law Marie Furlong, Linda Knox and Mary Knox and his long serving and invaluable friend/assistant/office manager/life manager, Valerie Makela.

A Lasting Legacy

Si Halyk's life was a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and compassion. His influence extended far beyond the courtroom, touching the lives of mentored lawyers, colleagues, and countless friends. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we celebrate a life that exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession and the human spirit.

In lieu of a formal memorial service or Celebration of Life, Si planned a "Going Away Party" for family, friends and colleagues. This Party will be hosted by Cathy in the spring/early summer. In accordance with his "directions", this commemoration of his life's work and legacy, must feature an open bar and fine food to be enjoyed by all. He asked only that Cathy ensure that a rendition of Willie Nelson's version of the ballad "Why Me (Lord)...what have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I have known....." be played to express his sentiment about the many experiences and good fortune that he enjoyed. It promises to be an evening of joyous remembrance, where glasses will be raised to toast an exemplary life and a journey well-traveled. The care of Si was entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home. To share condolences and stories with the family and friends please visit www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com.