Kinley, the Honourable John James, ONS, CD, S.M. D. ENG., P. ENG., F.C.A.E., F.E.I.C.

After a long illness (Jim) passed away at the Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital Veterans Unit surrounded by his loving family on May 1, 2012. Born in Lunenburg, September 23, 1925, son of the late Senator J. J. Kinley and Lila Evelyn Kinley (Young). Survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Grace Elizabeth (MacPherson), four children, Paula (Eric) Howatt, Wolfville; Peter (Martha) Kinley, Lunenburg; Eddie (Lori) Kinley, Fredericton; Shona (Cameron) MacKeen, Halifax; and nine grandchildren, Matthew (Megan Ryan), Jonathan, Stephanie Howatt, Joseph, John , Emma Kinley, Andrew Kinley, Ewan , Kirsten MacKeen, one niece, Janet (Terry) Lovekin, Toronto, step-grandchildren, Catlin and Brianne Cass; predeceased by infant brother, James Kinley and sister, Mary (James) Russell.

Honourable John James Kinley was Nova Scotia’s 29th Lieutenant Governor 1994 -2000. A graduate of the Lunenburg Academy, Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Engineering, Nova Scotia Technical College Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masters Degree in Business and Engineering Administration, Technical University of Nova Scotia, Doctorate of Engineering, Honoris Causa. Chosen by his Dal classmates, awarded the Bob Walters Award, graduated with a “Gold T” from Tech.

His career as a professional engineer and business leader included President of the Lunenburg Foundry and Engineering Company Ltd, Lunenburg Marine Railway Company, owner of Canada’s oldest Chrysler dealership, a Volkswagen dealer, association with Ford Motor Company of Canada, Irving Oil, and Apple Computer dealer.

His lifetime naval career commenced as a teen Sea Cadet, His wartime service included membership in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, Canadian Merchant Marine, where he served as a stoker, Royal Canadian Navy overseas duty. Post war he was promoted to Sub Lieutenant (E) and retired as Lieutenant Commander (E). He held many positions with the Navy League of Canada, including National President. He served as President and honorary life member Lunenburg Branch 23 Royal Canadian Legion, Grand President of the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command, (the first person ever to hold this honour), Honorary Colonel #14 Airfield Engineering Squadron, Honorary Colonel West Nova Scotia Regiment, Honourary member of Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Honourary member of the Air Crew Association of Nova Scotia, Honourary member of Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association.

He received numerous awards:
The Order of Nova Scotia.

From the King of Norway, the Royal Norwegian Medal of Honour for assistance to Norway as Grand Commander. This is the highest award received by an individual outside the country of Norway.

Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering, Canadian Society for Senior Engineers, the Nova Scotia Citizenship Award from the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, the Archibald Award from Dalhousie University, Sir John Kennedy Medal, (the highest Award of Engineering Institute of Canada) ,Centennial Gold Medal Award – 100 Years NSTC-TUNS – Dalhousie., Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia Gold Medal, and Honourary Life Member, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Board of Directors Honorary Life Chair, CME Nova Scotia Division, Knight of Grace and Knight of Justice Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Past Master, Life Member of Unity#4 Masonic Lodge Lunenburg, Past District Deputy Grand Master Grand Lodge Nova Scotia, presented with Masonic Lewis Jewel by his son, Eddie.

He was a member of the first Duke of Edinburgh Study Conference in Oxford, England and attended the 50 year reunion of the Conference, London. Lt. Governor Kinley’s comments and a photo concerning the Study Conference were featured in a book, “Leadership in the Making: 50 Years of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh’s Study Conferences.

Active in community, government and trade associations, including the Nova Scotia Fisheries Exhibition and Fishermen’s Reunion, serving as a member of the Executive leading to a term of President, founding member and Chairman of the Offshore Trade Association of Nova Scotia, founding Director of the Canadian Foundry Association, interested in the environment he served as first Chair of the Bluenose Atlantic Coastal Action Program.

A member of many other organizations, including North British Society, the Lunenburg Heritage Society, the Lunenburg Academy Foundation, the Scandinavian Society, the Canadian Merchant Navy Association, the Nova Scotia Naval Officers Association, UNTD, Elder of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Commodore Lunenburg Yacht Club, Lunenburg Golf Club, Lunenburg Curling Club.

Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family and nature, sailing on sloop “Gypsy”, swimming, farming at the family farm in Lilydale, music especially jazz.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213, Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg, with visitation Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and where Unity Lodge # 4 of the Masonic Lodge will hold Masonic service on Friday at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Service to celebrate The Honourable John James Kinley’s life will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Laurence Mawhinney and Rev. Dr. P. A. (Sandy) McDonald, officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg. Reception to follow at the Lunenburg Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the John James Kinley Memorial Education Fund of the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University, C/0 External Relations Dalhousie University, MacDonald Building, P. O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS., B3H 4R2.

www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca