Former cop with cancer becomes lawyer in emotional ceremony

It was an emotional Thursday afternoon at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Saskatoon, but smiles could be seen behind the tears of Bruce Gordon’s family, friends and colleagues.

The 54-year-old former cop was called to the bar by Chief Justice Martel Popescul in a special ceremony held just for him.

Gordon’s bar ceremony was bumped up by the court after he was diagnosed with terminal stage four pancreatic cancer.

“This is a case where I don’t want to be here, per se,” Gordon said during a speech to the court.

“I’d rather be cross-examining a witness, but here we are.”

Bruce Gordon making tearful speech to courtroom. Says he’d rather be cross-examining a witness, but is grateful for opportunity. #yxe pic.twitter.com/v29X7ErDHQ

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) June 29, 2017

His family, fellow police officers, friends and classmates packed the largest courtroom at the Queen’s Bench for the ceremony, while more watched it via video from a second room.

The 28-year police veteran and former Saskatoon Blade was lauded for his determination by Jay Watson, a defence lawyer who first met Gordon during a DUI court case early in both their careers.

“I figured out he wouldn’t do you any favours, but he was honest,” Watson said during his introduction of Gordon to the court, fighting back tears at times.

They later became friends after Gordon and his partner investigated the sexual assault of someone close to Watson, and the lawyer mentored the late-in-life law student as he worked his way through school.

Watson’s introduction included a brief biography of Gordon’s life.

Gordon played for the Saskatoon Blades between 1980 and 1982 after spending a season-and-a-half with the Medicine Hat Tigers.

After his WHL career, he joined Saskatoon police’s C Platoon as a patrol cop. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a detective sergeant in both the sex crimes and major crimes divisions.

He quit the police service after 28 years to return to the University of Saskatchewan, this time to become a lawyer.

“When he told me what he wanted to do, I said ‘why the heck would you want to do that?'” Police Chief Clive Weighill told the room.

To answer the question, Gordon said the reason he wanted to be a defence lawyer was similar to why he wanted to be a police officer.

“It’s the same job,” he said. “You want to uphold the charter of rights and freedoms.”

Weighill said Gordon’s “conviction” should be an example to all, and his inspiration for being a lawyer should act as a reminder to everyone in the justice system.

“No one piece of the system is better than the other, or more important,” he said.

Gordon was noted for his commitment in all areas of life. He was commended for his volunteer work with sexual assault victims, his diligent work on the faculty council at law school and his commitment to family.

He was also applauded by Chief Justice Popescul for his work at law school after the judge witnessed him during a mock trial.

“At first I thought, ‘what is this veteran cop doing pretending to be a lawyer,'” he said.

“But then I saw him in action, and thought ‘maybe he could be one.'”

After the call to the bar ceremony ended, police officers quickly exited the courthouse and formed two lines down the front steps.

They stood at the ready, and as Gordon and his family exited they provided an honour guard salute.

Gordon walked arm-in-arm with his wife Chris, nodding at officers as he passed by.

After the guard was officially dismissed, Chris walked back along the lines and thanked every officer personally.

Gordon will complete his journey to practicing law by attending the law society headquarters in Regina to sign official paperwork and a book with the signature of every lawyer in Saskatchewan’s history.

Honour guard exit from courthouse for new lawyer, former cop Bruce Gordon. Bar ceremony moved up due to cancer diagnosis. #yxe pic.twitter.com/k03sIYIvHz

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) June 29, 2017