Obituary of Arthur Samuel Wakim Q.C.

ARTHUR SAMUEL WAKIM, Q.C.

Sam died in Toronto on December 4, 2022, at the age of 85. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, he was the only son and ninth child of Arthur Saleem Wakim and Emma Emin Wakim. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Martin (Robertson) and his sister Helen Haddad.

He was predeceased by seven sisters and three nephews; Annie Saab, Mary Wakim, Madeline Rudowicz, Catherine Wakim, Cecila Shannon, Germaine McLorie, Theresa Stephen, Albert Haddad Jr., Dr. Gordon McLorie and Dr. Vincent Shannon.

He was adored by his children: Saleem Wakim, Mary-Martin Wakim (Rob O’Connor), Charles Wakim, Dr. Emma Wakim (Dr. William Plaxton), Mona Wakim Brown (Simon Brown) and Ted Wakim.

Sam’s treasured grandchildren personified his progeny and were his pride and joy: Nicholas, Connor and Gillian Morris; Brynn, Reese and William Plaxton; Samantha, Annie, Archer and Angus Brown.

His nieces and nephews, together with their spouses and children, were cherished and guided by their special uncle: Lorranie Saab (Richard Lucas); Toni Mitchell (Art), Maryanne Connors (Alan); Julianna Tibbet (Brian); Gene Kayal (Hoda), Brian Kayal (Sandra) and Bruce Kayal (Jennifer); and Andrew Shannon (Janet).

Sam graduated from St. Malachy’s High School, St. Francis Xavier University and the University of New Brunswick Law School. He was called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1962 and the Ontario Bar in 1965.

He was an assistant Crown Attorney in Toronto followed by the position of Senior Investigation Counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission. He was employed at Weir Foulds LLP for over 30 years. Although a life-long Conservative, he was known and respected by persons of all political parties and of numerous occupations.

Sam was an only boy with eight older sisters, and as such he was an unwavering advocate for women’s education and employment issues throughout his life.

Politics was a part of Sam’s DNA. From his early years he was involved in the Conservative Party as an ordinary member or in leadership roles. In 1962, he was Private Secretary to the Honourable Walter Dinsdale, Minister of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources, under the leadership of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. During this time, he travelled the northern part of Canada and the DEW Line.

In 1979, Sam was elected as the first M.P. for the new federal riding of Don Valley East. Upon his return to the private sector, he was elected to the boards of directors of leading Canadian institutions such as Canadian Airlines and the Canadian Opera Company.

At St. F.X. University he met a fellow freshman and roommate, Brian Mulroney, who became his closest friend for the next six decades. The two were inseparable and, as Prime Minister Mulroney has stated, “Sam was my principal counsellor and played an indispensable role in all initiatives throughout my career.”

To honor Sam’s achievements and memory, an endowed scholarship in his name has been established at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at St. F.X. University.

Having sustained a stroke in November, 2021, Sam’s family was honoured to have this special year with an unforgettable husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and special friend.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Gail Walker, Director of Retirement Living and the staff at Belmont House for providing Sam the opportunity to spend meaningful time with family and friends and live a fulfilled life after his stroke. The family would also like to thank Aleah Ontong for her special care of Sam and his family.

A private funeral will be held in Toronto followed by a celebration of life ceremony at the National Club in June, 2023.

Donations to Belmont Foundation and/or The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Scholarship Fund would be graciously received. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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