Obituary of Roy Edward Kimball
Judge Roy Edward (Bud) Kimball
August 21, 1930 - January 30, 2018
Roy Edward (Bud) Kimball was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 21, 1930. His family later moved to Halifax where his father received work as a food inspector. As a kid of humble means from the North End, Bud defied the odds. After spending a life-changing three summers working as a laborer/teacher on the railroads with Frontier College, he returned home to enroll himself in a Bachelor of Arts program at the University of King’s College. There he received his degree in 1960 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University that same year. He was called to the Bar on December 3, 1960 and practiced law in Windsor, Nova Scotia. He was appointed to the Bench on May 4, 1967 and sat in Windsor and Kentville as a Provincial Court Judge until his retirement in 1995. He carried on as a supernumerary judge for a few more years. While at law school Bud was President of the Dalhousie Law Society. He is a former President of the Provincial Judges Association of Nova Scotia, was a founding member of the West Hants Historical Society, a champion of musical education in the province, and was very active in sports administration with Windsor Minor Hockey Association and as President of the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League. While at King’s, Bud met the love of his life, Carol Jane (McCurdy) of Truro, and they married in 1961. Settling in a close community of wonderful friends in Windsor, they, and their three sons Andrew, Burns, and Ian, enjoyed winters filled with hockey and summers at their beloved cottage at Crescent Beach on the South Shore. In 1987 Bud Kimball was awarded his Masters of Laws degree from Dalhousie University. He was the first recipient of the degree in the part-time Masters programme. His thesis was entitled “The Provincial Court of Nova Scotia: The Struggle for Excellence”. Always with a keen interest in history, in 1989 he published a book entitled “The Bench - The History of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Courts”. Musically, Bud was a gifted singer, pianist and adored his collection of ukuleles, which never left his side. In the 1960’s Bud was part of a group which sang on Don Messer’s televised series “Sing Along Jubilee”, and in his retirement he sang and performed with the South Shore Chorale in Lunenburg. Music was a passion. It would be an odd moment to walk in to their home and not hear the strum of Bud’s ukulele, or his whistling coming from around the corner. Bud had an appreciation for literature, witty hyperbole and wordplay, beautiful music, good sportsmanship, a manicured lawn, the surf, a well-stacked wood pile, home-made jam and a warm crackling fire. He was a man of such varied interests and passions he could always find something in common to speak about with virtually anyone, and those who met Bud were touched by his kindness, compassion, and never-ending generosity. Truly “a gentleman and a scholar”, his many accomplishments, community contributions and acts of kindness are immeasurable. He was a devoted husband, father, and uncle who always had time for those who needed him. In his later years he embraced his role as grandfather with great enthusiasm and pride. Bud is predeceased by his loving wife Jane (2001); his brothers, Gene and Bob. He will be sadly missed by his immediate family: Andrew Kimball and Dee Conrad of Petite Riviere and their family Mitchell, Geoff, Jane and Jack; Burns and Sarah Kimball of Rothesay, NB and their boys, Jeremy and Nathan; and Ian Kimball and Michelle Wamboldt of Crescent Beach, and their sons, Sam and Finn. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Alice and Nadine as well as numerous nieces and nephews for whom he played an integral role as mentor and champion. Bud’s family would like to thank the staff of Queen’s Manor for the wonderful loving care they provided for Bud, and all of us. Your kindness is very much appreciated. “Per ardua ad astra” Bud.Through adversity, to the stars.
The service to commemorate Bud’s life will be held 2 p.m., Monday, February 12th in Wesley United Church, 22 Drew’s Hill Road, Petite Riviere.
Interment will be held at a later date. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Ark /Lunenburg County Assoc. For the Specially Challenged or The Alzheimer Society of Nova.
