Obituary of Edward McKelvey, OC, QC

E. Neil McKelvey, OC, QC, CD, 86, of Saint John passed away with his loving family by his side at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Born in Saint John on May 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Fenwick and Margaret McKelvey. He is remembered by his loving wife Joan McKelvey who stayed by his side for 63 years. His memory lives with his two sons Peter McKelvey, P. Eng of Saint John and Roger McKelvey, M.D. of Dartmouth, and their wives, respectively, Barbara McKelvey and Cathy McKelvey. His company will be greatly missed by his grandsons, Fenwick R. McKelvey of Toronto, Ian McKelvey of Fredericton, John McKelvey of Saint John, and Patrick McKelvey of London, Ontario. A veteran of the Second World War, Neil served as a Private in the Royal Canadian Artillery 4th A/T Regiment (5 CAD), he continued involvement with the forces throughout his life, and was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery from 1992 to 2009. After the war, Neil attended Dalhousie Law School where he graduated in 1949. He enjoyed a celebrated legal career which began when he joined the Bar in 1949. He became a senior partner of McKelvey Macaulay Machum in 1955. The firm merged to create Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales, Atlantic Canada's largest law firm, in 1990. He served since then as its partner and counsel. The family wishes to thank the firm and its staff for their support during this time. Neil McKelvey gave a lifetime of service to the betterment of Saint John and Canada. He served as Chairman for the Saint John Port Development Commission, Chairman for the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, Director of the Saint John Seafarers’ Mission, as well as countless other organizations. He was also past-President of the Saint Patrick's Society of Saint John, ex-Commodore of the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club, and board member of the Imperial Theatre. All his life, he remained committed to the legal profession. In 1969, he became the President of the Saint John Law Society. He served as President of the Canadian Bar Association (1973-1974) and President of International Bar Association (1978-1980). The Order of Canada appointed him an Officer, a merit of a high degree, in 1986 in recognition of his lifetime of community service and international work. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who warmed the room with compassion, and kept the conversation lively with his wit and intellect. No memorial would be complete without reflecting with fondness on the times he spent on the Saint John River and with his family at their property in Wickham, NB. The family will carry his memory with them always and with it, life 'will warmer, sweeter be'. His family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital for their concern and compassion in his final days. A public celebration will be held at the Imperial Theatre on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:30 pm. A reception will follow at the Union Club. The public is welcome to attend both. Memorial donations may be made to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or the Saint John Seafarer's Mission. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.