756 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 79 PART 5 SEPTEMBER 2021
cleanliness, at home and abroad, and long before it became en vogue, Satinder
was always equipped with hand sanitizer on her travels.
Some of Satinder’s travel was arranged to accommodate her marathon
running. She has been seriously into running since around 1999. She has
run half marathons and marathons all over the world, beginning with Portland
and Seattle and branching out to London, New York, Boston, Saigon,
Maui and more.
In 2009, Satinder and Randy welcomed Sophie into their lives. Sophie is
a bright, quick-witted and outspoken child—more like conference Satinder—
who is perhaps the least deferential person to Her Honour. She has
been known to accuse her mother of being too “judgely”.
From the very start of her career, Satinder was completely committed to
making sure that in exercising her discretion she did what was fair and just.
Her total commitment to fairness was apparent. Perhaps it is not surprising
when you consider her background, upbringing and influences. Satinder’s
appointment to the bench is a “no-brainer”, but is still a remarkable achievement.
Her parents, family, husband, daughter, colleagues, friends and community
are all rightfully proud. Her commitment to fairness will serve the
people of British Columbia very well.
The Honourable Justice Jan Brongers
When the appointment of Justice Jan Brongers was
announced on April 27, 2021, my first reaction was
entirely selfish: “I’m losing my mentor, my colleague,
my friend, and now I’m stuck with all his
files!” My second reaction was a bit more appropriate:
“The B.C. Supreme Court is lucky to have him,
but I’m still stuck with all his files!” Third time is the
charm, right? “What a phenomenal appointment, and this means he can
pick up the martini tab from now on!”
Jan’s appointment did not surprise me at all. He possesses all of the characteristics
that we admire in great judges: fairness, compassion, humility,
intellectual rigour and integrity. Over the years we worked together at the
Department of Justice, I marvelled at his ability to remain calm in the face of