Obituary of Robert Statton

At St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, on Thursday, August 4, 2016. Loving father of Rob (Karin), Stuart, Catherine (Scott) and Andrea (Jesse). Devoted grandfather of Simon & Webster. Born on October 21, 1941, the second child of Jean Evelyn & Walter Wendell Statton. Fiercely strong, independent soul from the very start. Despite contracting polio as a child, and being told he would never walk again, he rebuffed the medical advice and set out to define himself by his own rules. Never allowing himself to be limited, he was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1968; was involved in the formation of the Legal Aid Program; was Director with the Canadian Hearing Society & The Scarborough Centenary Hospital; championed Sick Kids capital campaigns; engaged the Minister of Health, which resulted in more tax deductibility of hand controls for automobiles for polio survivors; taught courses at York University and with The Law Society on Labour Law; made representations before various commissions, including the Donner Commission; and most notably appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada on a priority case. Despite this remarkable professional legacy, his love of family and a wealth of cherished friends was most valued. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th, and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 12th. A service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. If desired, donations may be made to Sick Kids Foundation, 525 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2L3. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.