Justine John Elaine Batten passed away peacefully on March 5, 2017 at the too young age of 64. She was predeceased by her father, M.C.R. Batten and her mother Mary J. Batten (nee Fodchuk), who died on October 9, 2015. Justine is survived by her daughter, Chelsea Jon Demetria Batten, her brother Dick (Donna) Batten, her sisters, Trish Batten (Clay Serby) and Jyll Batten-Young (Greg Buhl) as well as numerous and well loved nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, cherished friends, and a moderately anti-social cat.
Justine was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on July 7, 1952. Prior to attending university, Justine worked at Lookout, a shelter in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver assisting individuals with addiction issues. Justine attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she obtained her law degree in 1980. She practised law, primarily in the area of family law, from 1980 to 1990. In 1990, Justine moved to Victoria BC. Justine worked for the provincial government of British Columbia from 1990 to 2017. The majority of her years with the government were spent as the Director of the Archaeology Branch with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. Justine was most widely known for her quick wit and take charge attitude in all she did, professionally and personally. To those who were closest to her, however, she was known for the great loyalty and compassion that lay beneath her irreverent sense of humour. Professionally, Justine was often called upon to handle controversial work-related issues, which she handled in a firm, compassionate and effective manner. Personally, she was the person who family and friends would turn to first in any crisis. Justine was fiercely protective of those she loved and her diverse professional and life experience made her an empathetic and understanding port in the storm for anyone in need of help or understanding. Justine was a highly intelligent and capable woman but it was her authenticity and compassion that marked her as a truly remarkable person who will be very much missed by everyone who knew her.
A service celebrating Justine’s life will be held at the Inn at Laurel Point on April 18, 2017 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Audrey Yuzdepski
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Karen MacDowell I’m very sorry to hear of Justine’s passing. I always enjoyed working with her.
I extend my sympathy to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Sincerely Karen MacDowell
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Eric Cline, Saskatoon I attended the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan with Justine in the late 1970s and we quickly hit it off. Her intelligence, sense of humour, candour and openness all contributed to her wonderful personality. She was someone who you could speak to about anything, and a very attractive person inside and out. While I didn’t see her much since she left Saskatchewan, I have often thought about and referred to things she had to say. She was that kind of person; knowing her influenced me in a positive way. I’m sorry that she is gone; however I’m glad her life was extended through transplant and know that she will live on in the memories of those who knew her.
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Shane Berg Those of us who worked with Justine were saddened to hear of her illness and untimely passing. She brought a measured, informed and confident perspective to every file she assisted us with. We appreciated her sage advice and counsel and her passion for fairness. She was a credit to the public service and will be sorrowly missed.
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Francesca Wheler I had the good fortune to work with Justine for many years. She was the consummate professional – principled, ethical and fair in all her dealings with staff, co-workers and those who found themselves needing expert advice on the difficult topic of heritage conservation. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and to all those who shared their lives with her. I hope you include in your memories the fact she was highly respected and appreciated by her public service colleagues, many of whom could see that alongside the fierce exterior and sharp intellect beat the heart of a generous and caring soul.
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Nicole Bilodeau I know this is an enormous loss, but you may be comforted by the knowledge that Justine’s contributions to the public service leave everyone in a much better place. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Denise Blackwell Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of Justine. I worked in the Archaeology Branch and she was a great boss and very supportive of any time I needed to take away from the job for my political career. Best regards Denise Blackwell
I was deeply saddened to hear the death of Justine. I took care of Chelsea when Justine went to work. I really enjoyed looking after Chelsea. Justine was my lawyer while she was in Saskatoon.The last time I saw Justine we were on our way home from Victoria to Vancouver on the ferry. We had a good visit with her and Chelsea. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chelsea. Bernie & Audrey Yuzdepski.