Saskatoon Lawyer Morris Bodnar Remembered as Compassionate 'Man of the People'
The legal community in Saskatoon and beyond is mourning the loss of Morris Bodnar, a respected criminal defence lawyer and former federal member of parliament who passed away on January 16 at the age of 77. Bodnar, who officially retired from legal practice in 2022 after a remarkable 50-year career, is being remembered by colleagues and friends as a brilliant yet humble professional with extraordinary compassion for others.
A Legacy of Kindness and Professional Excellence
Mike Nolin, a fellow Saskatoon lawyer who worked alongside Bodnar, described his former colleague and mentor as "one of the smartest and least pretentious people" he had ever encountered. Nolin emphasized that Bodnar possessed unmatched kindness and compassion that defined both his professional approach and personal interactions.
"I will best remember Morris as being a man of the people," Nolin stated, highlighting how Bodnar would regularly walk from his home to his downtown office, frequently stopping to engage with business acquaintances, friends, and former clients along the way. According to Nolin, it didn't matter how much time had passed since their last meeting—Bodnar always made time for people and demonstrated genuine interest in helping others.
Fifty Years of Legal Practice and Notable Cases
Bodnar's extensive legal career spanned five decades and included several high-profile cases that captured public attention across Saskatchewan and beyond. Among his notable clients were:
- Jagdish "Jack" Grover, the Saskatoon landlord convicted of tampering with smoke alarm records following a fatal fire at one of his rental properties
- Gordon Dwight Hurley, an Alberta man acquitted of second-degree murder after a retrial in 2011
- Ken Munson, a police officer involved in Saskatoon's controversial "starlight tours" incident in 2000
- John Popowich, the Saskatoon police officer falsely accused during the 1992 Martensville child sex abuse scandal
His final client was Gregory Mitchell Fertuck, the Saskatchewan man found guilty in 2024 of first-degree murder in the disappearance and death of his estranged wife, Sheree Fertuck. Bodnar withdrew from this case in 2022 before the verdict was rendered, marking the official conclusion of his professional legal career. Nolin, who served as co-counsel on the Fertuck case, expressed that while the trial outcome wasn't what either lawyer had hoped for, he felt honored to have worked alongside Bodnar during this challenging proceeding.
Political Service and Community Involvement
Bodnar took a four-year hiatus from his legal practice from 1993 to 1997 to serve as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Dundurn. In subsequent interviews, he described his time in Parliament as "phenomenal," bringing his commitment to justice and fairness to the federal political arena.
Beyond his professional and political accomplishments, Bodnar was deeply involved in his community. He actively participated in the Ukrainian community while also serving on the board of the New Community Credit Union. His obituary noted his appreciation for art, theatre, and symphony performances, reflecting a well-rounded individual with diverse cultural interests.
Family Life and Retirement Pursuits
According to his obituary, Bodnar is survived by his wife of more than 53 years, Joyce, their three children, and seven grandchildren. The tribute emphasized that family remained at the centre of Morris's life, with particular joy derived from watching his grandchildren grow and immense pride in his children's accomplishments.
During his retirement years, Bodnar enthusiastically pursued various hobbies and passions. He attended a weekly stamp collecting club, maintained an active gardening practice, created Christmas ornaments and toys, and enjoyed curling with friends. These activities reflected the same dedication and attention to detail that characterized his professional life.
Enduring Impact and Professional Philosophy
Nolin observed that Bodnar's work as a trial lawyer represented "just a microcosm of Morris's life personally and professionally," suggesting that the same principles of fairness, service, and commitment to justice guided all aspects of his existence. His obituary eloquently captured this philosophy, stating that his legacy lives on through his family, his profession, and the many lives he touched through his unwavering belief in fairness, service, and the possibility of a just society.
Despite announcing retirement plans almost a decade earlier in a 2013 StarPhoenix profile, Bodnar continued practicing law for nine additional years, demonstrating his enduring dedication to his clients and the legal profession. His passing leaves a significant void in Saskatchewan's legal community, but his impact as a compassionate advocate and community-minded individual will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his counsel.
