Dr. Burnley "Rocky" Allan Jones, BA. LL.B., LL.D (Hon.) -71, of Halifax.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend on Monday July 29th, 2013 in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Halifax Infirmary, with family and friends at his side. Born on the Marsh in Truro Nova Scotia Burnley is survived by his wife, Sharon (Dauphinee); daughter, Shalyn Folami; former wife, Joan (Bonner); daughters, Tracey (Terry) and Casey; sons, Agassou, Patti and Shaka; sisters, Lynn, Janis, Luella, Marie and brother, Roger; 23 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and god daughter, Yolande Grant. Burnley was preceded by his father, Elmer; mother, Willena; brother Alvin; sisters, Elaine, Wilma and Debby and godson, Hughie Grant Jr.

Burnley was one of the greatest champions of civil rights beginning with his involvement with SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee), the Student Christian Leadership Conference and up to and including his political work with the NDP. Labeled by the press as "Rocky the Revolutionary" he was often referred to as "Canada's Stokley Carmichael". Upon his return from Toronto to Nova Scotia in 1965 Burnley became heavily involved in working on the rights for people of African descent including the founding of Kwacha House, a founding member of the Black United Front (BUF), establishment of the Transitional Year Program at Dalhousie University and later the Indigenous Black and Mi'kmaq program at Dalhousie Law School. Burnley was internationally known as a political activist in the areas of human rights, race and poverty. He worked closely with the Aboriginal Community on land claims, justice and educational issues and represented community groups on environmental issues. Burnley was one of Canada's leading experts on environmental racism, representing the Frederick Street residents in Sydney, Nova Scotia, who are victims of the worst industrial hazardous waste pollution in Canada. Burnley was also strong advocate for prisoners' rights involved in the establishment of the Black Inmates Association and the Native Brotherhood in Dorchester and Springhill Institutions. He also served as Executive Director of Real Opportunities for Prisoner Employment, a self help organization for ex-inmates. Burnley always had a passion for the betterment of young people of all races. His recent involvement with UJAMAA (Great Halifax Partnership) provided him with an opportunity to share his views, vision and inspiration for youth. Burnley was an avid outdoors man, spending many hours fishing and hunting with his many friends and family members. One of his proudest accomplishments was qualifying for his guide license with a dream of becoming a guide around the province of Nova Scotia.
Burnley has been the recipient of many honours including:

· The Black United Front of Nova Scotia's Meritorious Aware of Excellence;

· The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers' Distinguished Service Award;

· The Dalhousie University Law School's H. Carl Goldenberg, Q.C., Award;

· The Dalhousie University Law School's Hon. G.I. Smith Trust Award;

· The Dalhousie University Transition Year Programme's Founders' Award;

· Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarship (History);

· The National Black Coalition of Canada's Community Involvement Award;

· The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society's Race Relations Committee Award;

· The Municipality of Truro's Truro Apex Community Award;

· Guelph University Doctorate of Laws;

Burnley practiced law for over 20 years including working for Dal Legal Aid, CUPE, and his own firm of B.A. "Rocky" Jones and Associates. Burnley appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on a Leave Application in the following case: R.D.S. v. The Queen [1997] 151 D.L.R. (4th) 193 (S.C.C.). This landmark case clarified the principle of contextualized Judging and the threshold for determining bias of Judges.
A visitation will be held at Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Road, Halifax on Tuesday August 6th, from 5 – 9 pm. The wake will be held on Wednesday August 7 with live web-casting taking place from 7-9 pm (Atlantic Time) in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro. Funeral service will be held on Thursday August 8th at 1 pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home with live web-casting beginning at 12:55 pm (Atlantic Time). Reception to follow the service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #26, Truro. Cremation and a planned memorial service will be held in Halifax at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the establishment of the B. A. "Rocky" Jones Memorial Education Fund at Royal Bank of Canada. Live web-casting may be viewed and on-line condolences made at www.ColchesterCommunity.com