The Story of
The Broder Buck 

1969–1970: After the death of Ed Broder, family members informally divide personal property. No probate is filed for the estate.

July 8, 1997: Several of Donald’s siblings file a Statement of Claim (Court Action #9703-12949) against him over the famous Broder Buck trophy rack.

• Defence argues plaintiffs have no standing: they already took their share in 1969–1970 and never probated the estate.

October 2000: Plaintiffs’ lawyer, Elizabeth MacInnis (Weir Bowen), seeks Donald’s consent to close pleadings. Donald refuses. No probate exists; no one can legally represent the estate.

July 9, 1999: (Already past by this point) – Two-year limitation period to add or substitute parties has expired.

May 24, 2001: MacInnis applies for probate years late and installs two of her own clients as Personal Representatives of the estate, creating a direct conflict of interest, since she also represents the plaintiffs personally.

2001–2003: Procedural battle continues. Donald maintains the suit was improperly launched and should be struck under procedural rules.

Early 2004: Donald and Craig retain lawyer Robert Sawers.

• Sawers files for jury trial to cement procedural advantage.
• Files Rule 129 Application to strike the case as frivolous and vexatious.
• Cites Mugford v. Mugford precedent: only an estate administrator can sue, not individual siblings.

April 23, 2004: Justice Myra Bielby orders 75-year-old Donald Broder into custody at Edmonton Remand Centre.

• Eleven days in jail, sometimes in isolation, inadequate medical care, cold food.

April 29, 2004: Justice Bielby remands Donald again so police can push his wheelchair to and from court.

2004–2010: The case drags on despite procedural wins for Donald. Family alleges misconduct by lawyers, judges, and court officers; accuses Alberta Justice Department of abuse of power.

2011: Donald’s wife, Joyce Broder, dies on September 23. The court takes her last $1200 before she passes.

April 11, 2012: Donald Broder dies at age 82. The fight over his name and the Broder Buck legacy continues through family advocacy and public campaigning.

Post-2012: Broder family maintains website documenting the case, demanding apologies from Alberta government officials, and calling for legislative protections for vulnerable seniors.