Charles Chow was a poor Chinese immigrant when he moved to Moose Jaw over a century ago to help build it, so he would likely be thrilled knowing his great-grandson David Chow has become a distinguished community judge.
Nearly 100 friends, family, judges, lawyers and other legal professionals packed into the main provincial court courtroom on Oct. 20 for the official swearing-in and confirmation of oath ceremony for Judge David Michael Chow, who was named to the bench on July 27.
While courtrooms are rarely a place of laughter, the event was filled with humour as family, colleagues, and Chow spoke about the appointment.
Speakers from seven legal organizations congratulated Chow on behalf of their groups.
Adjectives used to describe him included devoted, committed, experienced, a person of integrity, benevolent, mentor, friendly, respectful, problem solver, studious, professional, advocate and honest.
A dad’s kind words
Kerry R. Chow, David’s father, presented his son to the crowd. He explained that aside from university, David had spent most of his life living here. This included working with Kerry as an articling student in 2000 and then as an associate for 15 years.
“David, at an early age, demonstrated leadership qualities. As all young boys do, he had a favourite TV hero. His was the stuntman, Super Dave Osborne. Hence, I nicknamed him ‘Super Dave,’” Kerry chuckled.
The elder Chow highlighted his son’s community connections, including as past president of the United Way, co-chair of the CNIB Golf Tournament, being named the citizen of the year in 2013, operating a taekwondo school, and being a board member of the YMCA.
The new judge has also demonstrated leadership abilities in the legal profession, Mr. Chow continued, such as being president of the Law Students Association in university, serving two terms as a bencher, co-chairing the law foundation, adjudicating tribunals for police and real estate, and being named a King’s Counsel.
Although Mr. Chow never expected his son to become a lawyer, when David did, he expected him to be a great one — and he has not been disappointed.
“He has always had a high regard for the rule of law, which is so important in our present times,” the elder Chow added. “He has shown compassion and commitment and sincerity. All of these traits will serve him well in his new career he has chosen.”
A son’s appreciation
Judge Chow jokingly told the crowd that he is still “the same old Dave, or David, or Davey, or Dad.”
Chow thanked all the legal representatives who brought greetings — including his brother, King’s Bench Justice Darin C. Chow — and recognized several dignitaries, lifelong school friends, colleagues and former coaches. He singled out fellow court Judge Brian Hendrickson for being a supportive mentor.
“I am honoured for my experiences with you. I am where I am today because of you,” Chow said.
The situation “did not look so rosy” 30 years ago when he was on the verge of dropping out of high school, he continued. However, thanks to some teachers and football coaches, he said his life turned out differently.
The judge highlighted several interesting facts about his family’s connection to Moose Jaw and how their roots run deep and “extend to the bedrock upon which the city is built.”
He noted that his great-grandfather immigrated to The Friendly City 125 years ago and contributed to its growth, while today, he and Darin are the only brothers in Saskatchewan history to sit on different court levels in the same community at the same time.
“It is happening not in large centres like Regina or Saskatoon; it is happening in Moose Jaw. And it is happening to the descendants of poor Chinese immigrants to this country,” David said.
He thanked his family, and extended family recognizing those individuals that have been and continue to be a big part of his life including his mother Glenda Norman and her late husband, and his father Kerry and his stepmother Judy. He noted he chose his father to present him because he had “the single largest impact” on his life and career.
Kerry was the family’s first lawyer, along with his brother, Keith, while numerous other sons and grandsons have followed in their footsteps. His decision to return to Moose Jaw 50 years ago helped shape so many lives.
Kerry was a young lawyer in the 1970s and was invited to become a judge on the then-Magistrate Court, Judge Chow said. However, he turned it down for family and monetary reasons — and in 1978, the government created the Provincial Court level.
The fact his father could have become a Provincial Court judge and occupied the same seat where David now sits is not lost on his son.
Despite not becoming a judge, Kerry created the largest law firm in Moose Jaw — Chow McLeod — that employed Lyle Phillips, Saskatchewan’s longest-serving lawyer at 66 years, who retired in 2020, the judge said. Moreover, a third generation of Chow lawyers now serves while others have received accolades.
“The impact of your 45 years of practice cannot be overstated,” Chow said.
Chow also thanked his wife, Lindsay, and three kids for their support.
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