In memoriam: The Hon. Benjamin Hewak (1935-2018)
The Hon. Benjamin Hewak [BA/56, LLB/60, LLD/03], former Chief Justice of the Queen’s Bench in Manitoba, died on Dec. 21 at age 82.
Benjamin Hewak.
Born in Winnipeg’s North End, Hewak attended St. John’s Technical High School followed by the University of Manitoba, where he participated in sports and debating. He was the first Ukrainian Chief Justice and served for 18 years, encouraging continuous reform and affordable justice. His leadership earned him the Distinguished Service Award from the Manitoba Bar Association.
Hewak also contributed significantly to Canadian-Ukrainian culture as president of the Ukrainian National Youth Federation and chair of the Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, among other cultural organizations. In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. The following year, he was named to the Order of Manitoba.