Kenneth Alexander MacDermid, P.Eng
Born In: Cape Dauphin
Born: November 30th, 1937
Passed in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: September 3rd, 2015
With profound sadness and broken hearts we regretfully announce the death of Kenneth Alexander MacDermid of Dartmouth, N.S., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sept. 3, 2015 in the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
Born in Cape Dauphin, Victoria County, N.S. on Nov. 30, 1937, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Isabel (MacInnis) MacDermid.
He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend of 44 years, Gwendolyn Anne Vatcher, whom he adored. They were married Sept. 4, 1961 in North Sydney. Together they had four children, Kathy (Bernard) Connors, Fredericton N.B., the late Malcolm (Shelly Densmore), Boston, Mass., Laura Jean (Mark Spence), Dartmouth and Ken (Janine Dunphy), Dartmouth. He was the loving grandfather to eight grandchildren. Affectionately known as Bampa, he immersed himself in the lives and accomplishments of James and Liam Connors, Rory and Callum MacDermid, Emily and Abbey Sarty and Fiona and Owen MacDermid. He leaves behind sisters, Katherine (late Buddy) Dickson, Christine (Duncan) MacVicar, and Connie (Wayne) Rogers.
He was predeceased by his only brother, Donald (Theresa) MacDermid. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
The last several years of Kenneth’s life were enriched by the love and friendship of Muriel Jessome. Kenneth had the great fortune of finding another best friend in Muriel.
Born at home in Cape Dauphin where he attended school; studying by kerosene lamp until grade 10. All the while helping his father on the family farm and fishing boat. He went on to graduate from Sydney Academy, 1956, Mount Allison University, 1959, and finally from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1961 as a civil engineer. Following his childhood passion for building roads he began a career with the Nova Scotia Department of Highways in May 1961. Kenneth progressed quickly through many positions within the department serving in Sydney River, Baddeck, Windsor and Middleton. Kenneth finally retired from the department as director of maintenance in 1994, a position he held in Halifax for 12 years. During his career he served on the International Transportation Board in Washington, DC, the Road Builders of Nova Scotia, and the Road Builders of America. His contributions to the engineering profession and highway safety were recognized by life membership in the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia as well as awards from the Province of Nova Scotia and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Kenneth and Gwen loved to travel and they went on many adventures after retirement. True to his roots the highlight of their travels was a trip to the Isle of Harris, Scotland where they visited the ancestral home of the MacDermid’s and walked in the footprints of his forefathers. Although he loved to travel, he was forever drawn to his childhood home and he spent most of his free time at “The Cape”.
Visitation will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dartmouth, 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. Funeral service will be held at St James Presbyterian Church, Big Bras d’Or, N.S. on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 at 2 p.m.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home.
Family flowers only. At Kenneth’s request, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Dartmouth, N.S., St James Presbyterian Church, Big Bras d’Or, or the QEII Foundation.
Online condolences can be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com.
