The Honourable Justice Thomas Zuber, a distinguished figure in Ontario’s legal community, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on May 23, 1927, Justice Zuber dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the betterment of his community. He was a long-time member of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto and, as a judge, was a supporter and promoter of the Red Mass and the Thomas More Dinner. He appears in numerous historical photos taken at the Red Mass while serving on the Court of Appeal.

Although he came from a modest upbringing in pre-war Ontario, he distinguished himself as a scholar at Assumption High School and later at Assumption College in Windsor before attending Osgoode Hall Law School. He graduated and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1951.

Before becoming a judge, Justice Zuber was a top-notch litigator in Ontario, handling both criminal and civil cases. He served as a federal prosecutor in Windsor and as counsel for various levels of government, institutions, insurers, and Fortune 500 companies. He also routinely represented plaintiffs and individuals charged with serious offenses. Frequently, other lawyers referred cases to him for trial work, earning him the reputation of being a “lawyer’s lawyer.”

Justice Zuber played a significant role in establishing the University of Windsor Law School and was one of its four founding professors when it opened in 1968. He delivered the first lecture at the University of Windsor Law School in September of that year. Many of his former students, who later achieved distinguished legal careers and judicial appointments, fondly remembered him as a dedicated and inspiring professor.

Justice Zuber’s legal career was marked by his tenure as a judge of the County Court in Essex (1968), followed by his appointment to the Ontario High Court (1972), and eventually to the Ontario Court of Appeal (1975), where he was celebrated for his scholarly approach and practical wisdom. Colleagues remember him as a “well-known, well-liked, well-recognized scholar and a practical man; this was evident in his judgments.” In 1986, he authored the Report on the Reorganization of the Courts and subsequently returned to the trial division to become the first Regional Senior Judge of Southwestern Ontario. Justice Zuber retired as a judge at the age of 75.

In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, Justice Zuber was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree by the Law Society of Upper Canada on February 15, 1999. He also received the Law Society Medal and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his outstanding service to the legal profession.

Beyond his professional achievements, Justice Zuber was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Barbara Anne Watson Zuber, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage until her passing on February 4, 2023. Together, they raised four children: Victoria, Timothy (Laurie), John (Jannike), and David (Lisa). He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and a great-grandfather to three.

Justice Zuber’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, education, and family. His profound impact on Ontario’s legal landscape and the countless lives he touched will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1^st, at Glen Oaks Funeral Home, 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 7A8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd, at 11 AM at Saint Christopher’s Church, 1171 Clarkson Road North, Mississauga, Ontario L5J 2W1.