In Loving Memory of

His Honour Edward Richard Saddy, K.C.

of Edmonton

To view the service live on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at 11:00 A.M MST, please click here

Edward Saddy made history as the first Muslim judge in Canada, serving as a Justice of the Provincial Court of Alberta. Known for his distinguished legal career and contribution to the communities he served, he was born into a large, close-knit Muslim family on January 18, 1931, in Wardlow, Alberta, and passed away on September 24, 2023, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Education and Career

Former Student Union President of both McCauley and Victoria Composite Schools, Edward was a scholar and an athlete, excelling academically and playing almost every sport offered, as well as actively participating in the Eaton's Youth Council. Edward worked as a draughtsman with Canadian Superior Oil of California for two summers, before transferring from Engineering to Economics, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1956.

As a university student, Edward briefly played varsity basketball, and was a member of the Western Canadian junior championship Maple Leaf Football Club. At a university dance in 1952, Edward contracted polio, which may have redirected his early aspirations to be an architect or join the Foreign Service, to pursuits closer to home. He found his calling at the University of Alberta Law School, where he served as President of the Law Student's Association, Chair of the Western Canada Law Association, President of the Zeta Phi fraternity, and Graduating Class Valedictorian in 1959.

After articles with William (Bill) Haddad of Wood, Haddad, Moir, Hyde and Ross, then with Moir, Edward travelled the world in 1960-61, visiting 32 countries on four continents with his classmate Ron Ghitter, who would become his closest, life-long friend.

In 1961, Edward spent two weeks at an International Law Conference at The Hague before returning home for his admission to the bar and beginning his legal career. He worked for other firms before starting his own private practice, where he would remain until joining the bench in 1990.

Community Involvement

Beyond his remarkable career, Edward Saddy left an enduring legacy through his tireless dedication to his community. Edward played a pivotal role in establishing Edmonton's vibrant Klondike Days annual fair and exhibition, serving as one of only three community members on the founding board. For his contribution he was honoured as a Lifetime Director, the Admiral of the Fleet in 1980, as well as other recognitions from the organization and the Alberta Cultural Heritage Council.

A chance encounter with Citadel Theatre founder Joe Shoctor - about a play Edward hadn't enjoyed - led to Shoctor offering him a position on the board. Edward served and helped build the Citadel Theatre during its dynamic early years, retiring as Honourary Lifetime Director.

As one of the first Muslim lawyers, Edward generously provided pro-bono work for the community, helping numerous businesses get off the ground, and even offering office space to fledgling entrepreneurs (many of whom were his own grateful nieces and nephews.) He incorporated the non-denominational Canadian Arab Business Club and served as President of the Arab Muslim Association for an impressive 12 years.

Following in the footsteps of his mother, one of the original founders of the Al Rashid Mosque, the first mosque in Canada, Edward played a crucial role in its later expansion and eventual preservation as a heritage site at Fort Edmonton Park. He fostered a robust community network, travelling to secure funding. By ensuring financial responsibility, accountability and transparency, his efforts led to the forgiveness of significant loans from the Middle East and created an important legacy for the community.

Edward met Marcy, who would become the love of his life, at a chance encounter in an airport in 1987. Several years after retiring from the bench in 2001, they moved to Vancouver to be closer to his daughter, grandsons, and her family. He continued to be a pillar of the large, extended Saddy family, a devoted brother, uncle, and grandfather known for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and integrity.

His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, trailblazing, and a deep commitment to serving one's community, and is celebrated by all those whose lives he touched.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 34 years, Marcy Hett; daughter, Rikia Saddy and husband Cameron McLellan; grandsons, Rohan Saddy and Malcolm McLellan; brother-in-law, Jack Graham (Lynn); sister-in-law, Teri Banks (Rory); and 24 beloved nieces and nephews.

In honor of Edward's memory, his family invites friends and well-wishers to share their stories and memories.