Honouring Canadian leaders in restorative justice

Comments by Jordan Wiebe, son of Ron Wiebe

Jordan Wiebe

I would like to thank everyone involved in this award ceremony recognising the value of Restorative Justice and the concepts that may bring true change and healing in individuals’ lives. It is an honour for me to be here in person on my Father, Ron Wiebe’s, behalf as part of his legacy and passion of effective change in people’s lives. This includes nominees, all past, and future recipients, of the Ron Wiebe Award. I speak on behalf of my family, my older brothers Jeff and Jason and my mom Shirley.

My dad had such a passion in his life, for his family, work, and community. He had an innate ability to personalise people and make them all feel part of something special. As dedicated as he was to his job, I really did not see him bring it home. Work was work for sure, but once he was “off the clock” his time to us, his kids, wife, and community, was important, which included many charitable organisations. I still remember going to bed and hearing him play his acoustic guitar before I fell asleep. He loved his guitar.

He really did have a network of great friends, and valued those who challenged his thinking. My dad would be able to stand up to criticism, not taking it personal, and not ever feel pressured or obligated to do something just because he was told to do it from above. His motto from Spike Lee, we’ll do the right thing, and let the chips fall where they may. In a politically charged climate it is a difficult chore, remember “Club Fed” at Ferndale, with the golf course. At that time, as it would be today, it was the right thing to do; a positive choice for offenders and the community. It was a loss to his family, community, and the CSC upon the death of my Dad in 1999.

The Ron Wiebe Award, and everyone involved demonstrates his value and what people believed he was trying to accomplish - this is an honour. He did not have time to see this process through, it is hoped that people carry the torch and are able to be creative thinkers and true leaders who genuinely care about people. I can say clearly, don’t hide behind policy, stand out in front, make real change happen as leaders and as contributing members of society. Compassion, ethics, and confidence are important traits that define character, my dad embodied those things and believed in trusting people in his life, at work, and at home. Life can be short, sometimes taken away too quickly, so do the best you can, love life and do the right thing. I am so proud of my dad.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to say a few words about my father, Ron Wiebe.