Bennett Jones pays tribute to the remarkable and inspiring life of Don Cranston, a distinguished lawyer and dear friend whose contributions to the field of law and the community at large have left an indelible mark. His long and illustrious career is a testament to his exceptional skill and profound commitment to the legal profession and the people he served.
Known and highly respected for his wisdom and decency, Don was a long-time former member of Bennett Jones' partnership Board of Directors. His practice was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in client service. Don appeared before all levels of tribunals and courts in Alberta and Canada. He was a pillar of the firm and the legal world, and widely acknowledged as the ultimate professional.
A graduate of the Harvard intensive mediation course, Don was often called upon to mediate or arbitrate complex disputes. He was elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta with more votes than any Edmonton candidate—and then elected as President.
In 2008, Don was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious honour limited to the top one percent of the bar in North America. He was recognized by legal directories as a leading Canadian and cross-border litigation lawyer. He was appointed King's Counsel (then Queen's Counsel) in 1998.
Beyond his professional achievements, Don was a dedicated educator and mentor. He lectured and chaired seminars on various litigation matters, including legal ethics. His commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing the next generation of lawyers—both in and outside the firm—was unwavering.
Don contributed immeasurably to the legal and social life of Alberta, serving on a great many boards and committees. His roles included membership on the board of directors of the Alberta Law Reform Institute, chairing the Legal Education Society of Alberta board, and serving on the boards of the Alberta Hospital Edmonton, the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, the University Hospital Foundation and many more.
He was especially committed to the work of CASA Mental Health and its work for children and youth in mental health where he served as a long-time board member.
Despite Don's considerable success in the law, his greatest legacy was the love he showed to his family and friends whether during quiet moments at his cottage at Lake of the Woods, special times spent with his wife and daughter, visiting his sons in Portland and San Francisco or playing golf with his friends at the Royal Mayfair.
We celebrate the life of Don Cranston, a man of integrity and principles who leaves behind a legacy that inspires all who knew him.
We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, his wife, Nancy, and his children, Jennifer, Blair and Trevor. May our treasured memories of Don bring us comfort during this difficult time.
He will be missed.
Bennett Jones