ARCTIC OBITER

JUNE 2010 | 7
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT: Hugh is welcomed by the (somewhat) serious security escort. Paul Falvo ensures the area is safe for the VIP. Hugh rides along without asking questions. Hugh’s granddaughter
springs in for a hug at the rendezvous. Daniel Rideout laughs at the lights and sirens ahead of the limo. Hugh exits the limo to a waiting crowd.
A Surprise in Style
THE NWT BENCH & BAR TEAM UP TO CELEBRATE ONE LAWYER’S 80TH BIRTHDAY.
An entourage of CSIS agents, or a bunch of colleagues
suited up with radios? To Hugh Latimer, the truth was
obvious at first sight, but it was still a sight to be seen.
Months of preparation and invitations to a surprise party of
grand proportions, organized by Paul Falvo, lawyer and
friend of Hugh Latimer, went unnoticed by the guest of
honour as his 80th birthday quickly approached. The rest of
the legal community, however, was well aware and very
secretive.
Paul’s invitation to a small -scale and casual ‚birthday
dinner‛ was tossed in uncertainty by the modest Latimer
until a surprising all-in confirmation for the dinner caught
everyone by surprise, including his own assistant. (It was
only later that the organizers discovered someone had sent
their regrets for not attending the upcoming party directly to
Hugh.)
While Hugh apparently knew something was up, the details
were still a bit out of focus. So, when a large entourage
arrived at Hugh’s residence with walkie talkies in hand, the
adventure began. Caroline Wawzonek, Nikolaus Homberg,
James Mahon, Daniel Rideout and Abdul Khan donned
official-looking sunglasses and paved the way for Mr.
Latimer’s safe travels to the event.
The waiting limousine and security convoy escorted the
seemingly nonchalant Latimer to the main entrance of the
Chateau Nova. Flown in from Alberta as a surprise,
Latimer’s son, daughter and granddaughter were there
waiting to welcome and join their father/grandfather on the
journey to the party.
The convoy, now complete with police escort, drew attention
on the streets while the limo slowly cruised to its final
destination at the Gorin residence. Chief Judge Robert Gorin
met the overwhelmed Latimer and his family at the car.