Obituary of Randall "Randy" Duplak

DUPLAK, Randall Robert, Q.C. … “Randy”, 62, of Halifax passed away in Palliative Care, Victoria General Site Friday, December 11th. Born in Winnipeg, Manitobaa, Randy was the son of the late Ottallyne “Mae” Duplak (Peckover) and Stanley Robert Duplak. He is survived by his partner, Thane Ehler, Halifax; brother, Lawrence Shayne (Linda) Duplak, Winnipeg; nephew, Colin Duplak, Winnipeg; and niece, Chelsey Duplak, Toronto. Randy graduated with a B.A. from the University of Manitoba with a double major in Political Science and English. In 1972 he received an LL.B. from Dalhousie University and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1972. Following a brief career in private practice, Randy joined the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as a civil litigator where he specialized in human rights and property law. He held a decade-long tenure as a lawyer for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. He was also a certified mediator, teacher; and public lecturer. Randy maintained a lifelong commitment to human rights issues, at the local, provincial and international levels, and was co-author of Sexual Orientation and Canadian Law (1996). Randy devoted much time to various philanthropic organizations. He was Chair and founding member of the Morton Memorial AIDS Foundation, and a volunteer with AIDS Nova Scotia, Morton House, and the NSPWA Coalition. Most recently, he was a mediator/facilitator for the Community Justice Society, and a member of the Halifax Chief of Police’s Diversity Committee. Randy’s personal interests included gardening, cooking, art, travelling, good food and wine. For over 25 years his “Polish Christmas Eve” dinners were a highlight of the season for his many friends and guests. There was also a special place in his heart for his beloved animal companions, particularly, Jenny, Ceilidh, and Sarah. Cremation has taken place with arrangements entrusted to J. Albert Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax. A memorial service will take place Thursday, December 17th at 3:30 pm in the Cathedral Church of All Saints Martello Street [Tower Road] Halifax with Father John O. Scott presiding. At Randy's request, his ashes will be interred along with his mother's in the Cathedral Columbarium of Saint Alban. Following the service, a reception will follow at Randy's late residence. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com