Mark Anthony Hickling

Mark Anthony (Tony) Hickling passed away on 4 January 2025 at the age of 90.

A respected legal scholar and arbitrator, Tony made major contributions to the field of law throughout his life. Here we pay him tribute.

An unbounded curiosity

Tony was born and brought up in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. His interest in Labour Law may have been inspired by his father, who worked in the steel mills. Tony’s father’s job involved operating the crane that carried molten iron – a hazardous occupation which would sadly cost him his life.

Through the war years, Tony and his siblings were raised by their mother. Though Tony’s early life was marked by loss, war and poverty, his home was a happy one.

Tony’s fierce intelligence and unbounded curiosity were evident from an early age. He graduated from grammar school at the top of his class, before accepting a scholarship to King’s.

An inspired legal scholar

After King’s, Tony taught at the University of Pennsylvania, where he met his wife, Meg. In 1966, he took up a post at the University of British Colombia, where he worked for 35 years.

When he wasn’t busy with academia, Tony worked as a labour and employment arbitrator. He also served as a Vice Chair on the Labour Relations Board.

Tony was a born leader and a gifted lecturer. He was known to his students and colleagues as ‘a dedicated and kind-hearted teacher, an inspired legal scholar, and a fair-minded arbitrator.’  

A highlight from Tony’s career is his outstanding contribution to Trade Union Law. This work won him an LL. D. (Legum Doctor), a prestigious honour awarded to exceptional legal academics.

A fierce commitment to community

Tony will be remembered for his generosity, his ready wit and his fierce commitment to community and fairness. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

We would like to thank Tony’s children, Margaret and James, for providing the details for this obituary. Read more about Tony on the Vancouver Sun website.