He has been described as an unabashed patriot and selfless philanthropist. Interrupting his legal training to serve in the Second World War, in which he was twice wounded, he returned to Toronto to become a distinguished legal counsel. With his lively social conscience, he has spoken out on civil liberties, human dignity and public responsibility, and engaged in such community and national projects as hospitals, the care of the aged, the National Ballet, and the Committee for an Independent Canada.