The Honourable George D. Finlayson 1928-2008. Esq., Q.C., LL.B., LL.D
The Honourable George D. Finlayson was born in Winnipeg, MB in 1928. He started his post-secondary education in a pre-med program; however, after the first year he enrolled in an Honours Arts program at the University of Toronto. He graduated in 1949 with a Pass Arts degree. That same year, George Finlayson initiated his legal career by enrolling in the four-year legal program at Osgoode Hall. Following his graduation, he articled with McCarthy and McCarthy (now McCarthy Tetrault). As a result of his close connection with John Robinette during his articling experience, George Finlayson developed an interest in litigation. He was then called to the Bar of Ontario in 1953 and was hired by McCarthys.
During his career, George Finlayson spent 55 years working for the administration of justice in Ontario. During this time, he was appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal, where he developed a reputation for being aggressive, independent, blunt and honest. He was also known for being extremely hardworking and dedicated to the Ontario justice system. George Finlayson also took part in the Law Society of Upper Canada, and in 1981, he obtained a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the Law Society of Upper Canada in recognition of his contribution to the justice system.
Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History Books
John J. Robinette, Peerless Mentor: An Appreciation (Toronto: Dundurn Press for the Osgoode Society, 2003), 400 pp.
