Jonathan Oliphant was born in London, England in 1960 but immigrated to North Vancouver with his family at the age of 2. His father was the Vancouver Harbour Master. This may have played some role in influencing Oliphant's decision to join the Canadian Navy as an engineer after his graduation from Royal Roads Military College. After four years of service he enrolled in law school at the University of British Columbia, graduating with his LL.B. in 1989.
After graduation Mr. Oliphant clerked at the British Columbia Supreme Court and articled at Russell & DuMoulin. Following articles he moved to Kamloops taking a job with the provincial Crown. The Oliphant family moved to Vernon, where Jonathan founded the Restorative Justice Society - North Okanagan. He was known as an adept criminal prosecutor who was an enthusiastic proponent of restorative justice and and circle sentencing in First Nations communities.
Oliphant was an avid outdoorsman and dedicated family man. He pursued the outdoors lifestyle of the Okanagan vigorously by running, skiing, and learning to play grass-hockey. He was entranced by his children and their pursuits and enjoyed family adventures camping and skiing.
Jonathan Oliphant passed away in summer 2011. He is remembered as warm-hearted, generous, engaging and humerous.
For more, read the Nos Disparus for Jonathan Oliphant from The Advocate, 70 (2012)