The Honourable L.S. Turcotte (1968-1972)

Louis Sherman Turcotte was born in Grand Mere, Quebec, and traversed the Dominion at an early age: he came west in 1912, when he was eight years old, to Lethbridge. He graduated from the Lethbridge High School at fifteen, and from the University of Alberta -- as a member of the first class of the Law School, and as one of the youngest lawyers in the history of the province -- in 1924. He was admittto the Bar in Edmonton in 1925 and, after a few years practice in Vegreville and Cardston, he moved again to Lethbridge in 1936.

Very active in civic affairs during the city's boom years, as alderman, as mayor, and in a variety of ther ways, he took every opportunity for involvement in any matter that would move Southern Alberta ahead. After thirty years in practive of the law, he was appointed a District court Judge of Southern Alberta for a period of 24 years and 24 days; in 1969 he was appointed chief Judge for the District.

In 1968, Louis Sherman Turcotte was elected first Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge. Having had the pleasure and the benefit of his wisdom, his judgement, his perspicacity, his perspicuity, and his presence, during the four years of his tenure in that office, no group can better appreciate and applaud his life than the members of the University of Lethbridge. In 1972, Louis Sherman Turcotte was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Lethbridge for his service to the community.
--Honorary Degree citation, Fall 1972 Convocation