The death occurred suddenly, after a brief illness, on August 22, 2022, at the Royal Infirmary Hospital in the Royal City of Edinburgh, Scotland of The Honourable Chief Justice Kenneth Ross MacDonald of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, former Chief Justice of the Prince Edward Island Supreme Court Trial Division.
The Honourable Chief Justice Kenneth Ross MacDonald
June 29, 1935 – August 22, 2022
He was born in Kilmuir, PEI on June 29, 1935, son of the late Colin and Irene (Ross) MacDonald. Kenneth is survived by his children Marla (Randy) Gidney and Dean MacDonald; grandchildren Santana and Claire Gidney; brother-in-law Ralph Annear and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his sister Laurie (Ralph) Annear, who passed away on September 2nd, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years M. Elaine (Nicholson) MacDonald in 2021.
Kenneth graduated with a Commerce degree from Mt. Allison University in 1957 and received his Law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1960. Called to the Bar in 1962, he joined the law firm of Bell & Foster, later known as Foster, MacDonald, Carruthers, where he remained until he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of PEI in 1977. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Trial Division in 1987.
He volunteered with many organizations throughout his life; Trinity United Church, PEI Garden Club, Friends of the Farm, Charlottetown Curling Club, Charlottetown Minor Hockey Association as a coach, Law Society of PEI, Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Judicial Council and was Chairman of the UPEI Board of Governors.
He was a curler who represented PEI in five Briers and one Mixed National. He was inducted into the PEI Curling Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2012, he received a City of Charlottetown Mayor’s award for his dedication to the PEI Garden Club, commitment to creating beautiful gardens in the City and for sharing his gardening knowledge with the community. Kenneth’s real passion was for his family, and he will be remembered for his love, kindness, humour, devotion, loyalty, and guidance.
Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from Trinity United Church at 1:00 pm. Interment in Lower Montague Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Trinity United Church or Hospice PEI would be appreciated. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com