Obituary of Victor Pius Dietz

Victor P. Dietz, Q.C. It’s with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of Vic, our beloved spouse, brother, uncle, colleague and friend. Vic passed away at home on February 13, 2017 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Predeceased by his mother Katie, his father Alois and stepmother Celestine, Vic is lovingly remembered by his partner of 25 years, Sandra Burrows, his sister Alice (Boyd) McCaw, and her family: Jessica (Trent) – children: Jensen and Saryn; Matthew (Krista) – child: Anden; and Katie (Spenser). Vic will also be missed by Sandra’s family: brother Gord, sister Susan (Craig) – children: Derek, Adrian and Andrew; and sister Lori – children: James and Amanda; as well as long-time friend Donna Schmidt and her family. He’s already missed by his loyal, four-legged companion, Marley, who hung on his every word (until a rabbit ran by). After graduating from Campion College in Regina, Vic obtained his bachelor’s degree from the U of R. He moved on to the U of S, graduating from Law School in 1982. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1983 with the law firm Olive Waller Zinkhan & Waller LLP, where he became a partner in 1988. Vic was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan (2004-09), and served as the Society’s President in its Centennial year of 2007. He was a Commissioner for the Legal Aid Commission for over five years, and was awarded a Queen’s Counsel designation in 2006. Throughout the years, Vic attributed a huge part of his success to his work family, including the “other Sandra” in his life, his long-term assistant, Sandra P. In and out of the office, he was well-liked and respected by his clients and his colleagues. Sunday morning tee times and his annual boys’ trip to Elk Ridge were a ritual. Vic was a passionate member of the Provincial Access to Justice Task Force, and in response to the Task Force Report, was a driving force in the creation of Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan. He served as founding Director of and first President of PBLS, and also served as Practice Advisor with the Law Society of Saskatchewan. As counsel for the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Vic was fortunate to attend the JUNO Awards for many years. He worked hard, had fun, and cared deeply for the people in his life. As he was fond of saying about life, its battles and its blessings: “The dance is not over yet – and I’m glad the music is still playing.” The family would like to thank Vic’s oncologist Dr. Salim, and the numerous other medical professionals who were on his team. At Vic’s request, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers and in Vic’s honour, donations can be made to Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan, 1650-2002 Victoria Ave. Regina SK S4P 0R7. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com