Lawyer Bryan Williams in front of his West Vancouver home. For more photos and quotes, see inside. OT SHOT legal eacle, environmentalist, champion of aboriginal and prison rights — Bryan Williams is a man with myriad causes. But unlike most pursuers of causes celebres, the West Vancouver lawyer backs up fine words with finer works. Senior partner with Vancouver law firm Swinton and Company, Williams, QC, is one of this country's most prominent lawyers. Simply put, he is a man of action. SOARING se~LEGAL EAGLE As former president of the Canadian Bar Association, Williams has been passionately involved in everything from native rizhts to free trade te justice for criminals. “Churchill said you can tell the state of a civ: ization by the way it treats its prisoners,” says Williams. “Criminals may be prisoners, bue they're not animals. Williams’ penchant for speaking out has landed him in the news on more than one occasion. Last year he openly criticized the justice system, sayin that procedures, trappings and formalities have crippled the court process and put the system out of reach for the average Canadian. “The justice system: has swallowed justice itself," he cold reporters. In private practice Williams acted as defence lawyer for former Knight Street Pub owner Valerie McRobbie. Thirteen years ago, Williams, along with then-radio talk-show host and now News columnist Gary Bannerman, spent 48 hours negotiating the release of prisoners at a hostage-taking incident at the B.C. penitentiary. sampling of his many These are only a small achievements. An elegant, well-dressed man radiating confidence, Williams is the picture of success. A large waterfront house in West Vancouver is home to Williams and his one-time Canadian figure skating champion wife Audrey. An avid fisher, skier and tennis player, at 57, and the father of four grown children, Williams sees himself as a problem-solver. He fought and won the right to have the first woman work underground at Cominco Mines in Trail. As director of the World Wildtife Fund of Canada he is frequently called upon to moderate panels beeween industry and preservationists. Williams sees the environment as the number one issue facing British Columbians today. Although he doesn’t consider himself a full-time environmentalist, he is deeply concerned about the state of che planet. “Rather than sleeping in trees, [ve tried to work more in che dine of resolving the disputes.” he says. The courts, he contends, are an inappropriate forum for resolving environmental arguments because they need more “hand-holding and love and atrention” than the courts can provide. Acthe same time, the provincial government has not recognized the crucial need for dispute resolution. “They're way behind the people on that issue, chae's for sure.” — Evelyn Jacob photo Cindy Goodman See nett eed lew cee nee ata, i | : JOY METCALFE . FEUCS ALL I... COCKTAILS & CAVIAR hat you miss, when you don't have a camera in your pocket! Last Saturday night at The Bridgehouse Restaurant on Capilano Road there was a young Chinese couple having dinner, or at least, trying to have dinner. Unfortunately, every few moments the young The lieutenant povernor, David Lem, was an honored guest and speaker at the Lions Gate Hospital fund-raising evening at the Pan Pacific Hotel fellow's pager would go off, and he'd have to leave to make a phone call. Though the young woman seemed im- perturbable, the calls were ob- viously ruining their evening. All of a sudden, the dining patrons heard the sounds of classical music being played by a strolling violinist, who ap- peared out of nowhere. And walking, or clanking, behind him, carrying a-dozen red haliogns, a bortle of chilled champagne, and a bouquet of longestemmed. roses, was her hero, all dressed up asa Knight in Shining Armor! Certainly ly got che atrention of the room! The young lady was totally surprised! But before she could say anything, her hero tried to vet down on to the traditional bended knee. but couldn't 13 ~ Sundays, November 12. 1989 - North Shore News ne KNIGHT INS HIS because the suit of meral wouldn't bend, so he stood and read from a prepared text, about how much he loved and respected her from the day they met, and how he would cherish her forever if she would consent to become his wife! It was enough to cause a few long-marrieds in the room to squeeze hands and reach for a Kleenex. Az the end of his dramatic “Will you marry me?” plea, his heart’s desire leapt to her feet and tried to kiss him. But it wasn't possible! The face NV City Ald. Rod Clark, chairmar of the Lions Gate Hospital Board, and wife Janey Bennett looked good at a recent dance and auction gala that raised funds for the hospital’s obstetric care. plate kept dropping down! And he had a terrible time try- ing to get his hand out of his metal glove to place a dia- mond ring on her finger. Then he stepped out of his suit of armor, laying it on the floor beside him, to the ap- plause of the house! Ir was such a delightful event, you'd almost think that Bridgehouse general manaper Lutz Wolfe had planned ir for the entertainment of — his customers. But no, John Jang had done all the preparations himself with che aid of two friends who helped him dress. More Joy Next Page Arts Afternoon, a fashion and arts extravaganza recently held at the Lions Bay home of Janet Laine-Green, featured Dorothy Grant’s wearable Haida designs. *