We are saddened to note the passing of one of the founding members of the firm. Norman Grosman passed away peacefully on November 27, 2018 at the age of 64. Regrettably, Norman suffered a debilitating stroke three and a half years prior from which he valiantly struggled to recover, tragically unsuccessfully.

Norman will be re-united with the love of his life, Debbie Simon, who had also passed three years prior. Norman’s death marked Debbie’s birthday.

Norman was an old-style renaissance litigator. He was kind, well-humoured, soft-spoken, yet nonetheless remained a formidable advocate. He tried innumerable cases to a successful end. Norman was loved and admired by his clients and held in the highest esteem by his opponents and the judiciary. He was a celebrated author. Norman would be the first to recommend any of his texts for those suffering from a sleepless night.

Norman was the first recipient of the memorial award in honour of the late Superior Court Justice and dear friend, Randy Echlin, acknowledging his mentorship of young lawyers.

More significantly, as Norman would likely himself be sure to note, Norman was the co-founder of Thirst for Knowledge (“TFK”), a forum for good fun social events for employment lawyers. Norman’s mocking speeches were always in uniquely bad taste, albeit nothing short of hilarious. He viewed the parade of innumerable dinner rolls thrown in his direction as a sign of bemused affection. Norman’s address to the late Justice Echlin on his appointment to the bench was complete with a Maple Leafs sweater showing the number “680”, farcically chastising Randy’s then hourly rate.

Norman was a unique and lovely man. He was far more than an able lawyer. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, a dear friend to many, blessed with acute intelligence, tempered by a sparkling wit, particularly after two martinis. He is sorely missed. May his memory yet live onward as the gold standard for all.