| It was a
tragic coincidence that the life of Hugh P. Innes, K.C., should be
taken just after he had been honoured by elevation to the Bench
and almost within a week from the night when citizens of this
community paid a notable tribute to him in word and taken.
Simcoe has had no more
public-spirited citizen than the late Judge Innes. For the past 35
years almost every phase of community life has had the benefit of
his unflagging energy and wise counsel. His lodge, his church and
his political party had reason to value his services very
highly.
As town solicitor, member
and chairman of the Board of Education, representative of North
Norfolk in the Legislature, and as one of the organizers of the
Taxpayers' Association, whose object was to reduce taxation
burdens, especially in the rural districts, his talents found wide
scope and were most usefully directed.
He was an eloquent speaker
and his words always commanded the rapt attention of his hearers,
whether of not they agreed with him. He was a man of strong
convictions and of sound judgment. He was generous to a fault and
no call for assistance ever went unheeded by him.
By the members of his
profession here and elsewhere he was held in warmest regard and
they were proud that one of their number had been chosen for a
judicial post.
By reason of his wide
acquaintance through the county, he had an usually wide circle of
friends, by all of whom he was sincerely admired and who have
learned of the sudden termination of his life with profound
regret.
He had just reached the
zenith of his career. Long years of legal study and practical
experience had prepared him for the more responsible and honoured
post of Judge.
His appointment met with
unanimous approval which found fitting expression in the
complimentary dinner tendered him one week ago Friday night.
On that occasion his
friend Judge Boles, stressing the point that it should be the
ambition of every Judge to be known as "just," said in
relation to Judge Innes: "Knowing him legally for 15 years,
and more closely still when he occupied the position of registrar,
I have no hesitation in saying that I believe he will be a just
judge."
This sentiment finds echo
in every heart today. He was a just man, a true friend and a great
benefactor of his community. He did his part to uphold the
reputation of the Innes family whose members are now taking their
place in the community and will help it carry on the tasks to
which their father devoted the best years of his life. |
