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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HYNES, Kevin Francis - age 90, passed away while holding his daughters hand on March 6, 2023 at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Bldg in Halifax, NS, from complications due to Covid.
Born May 13, 1932 to Richard & Mary Hynes in Port au Port, NL, he was the second eldest of 16 children. He joined the Canadian Navy Weapons Division in 1950 at the age of 17 & was a Veteran of the Korean War. Stationed in Halifax in 1953, he met his 1st wife, Mary Marion McDonald & they married Jan. 31, 1954. They welcomed the 1st of their 3 boys later that year. Sadly, she would pass away May 10, 1959 from complications in childbirth. Widowed & alone in NS, he left the Military & moved back to Port au Port to be helped with his sons by his family.
He started working at the US AFB Harmon Field in Stephenville NL as a driver & not long after was asked to join the US Airforce. But on the day of enlisting, a chance meeting with a former boss convinced him to change his mind & re-enlist in the Cdn Navy. He was promptly stationed at Pepperrell AFB in St. John's, NL as Driver for the Base Commander. Shortly after he started, his new boss asked him to pose for the mural of "Newfoundland History" which hangs in the lobby of the Confederation Bldg. He is the "Unknown Sailor" shown dressed in his Navy uniform shaking the hand of an RCMP Officer.
He met his 2nd wife, Marion Julia Allen in St. John's & they married Aug. 15th, 1960. They welcomed their daughter in 1961 & moved to Halifax, NS where he was posted back on various ships. Another posting to CFB Cornwallis for 3 years and finally back to Dartmouth until his release in 1973. A few weeks later, he started working in the Halifax Dockyard as a Rigger & after being employed for 39 years with the Federal Government, he retired in 1992.
Dad loved being outdoors spending most days in his yard, shed & garage. But his favorite thing to do in life was fishing. He, his son-in-law Rob & their friend Jim Chisholm would eagerly head off to their "secret fishing hole" on the Eastern Shore as soon as the season opened. Sometimes spending his birthday there and saying "I couldn't have asked for a better present." But nothing compared to salmon fishing. He would tie his flies & get his gear ready all winter in anticipation of the spring salmon season opening, when he & his friend Bill Taylor would head to his favorite places in the world, the St. Mary's or the Margaree Rivers. They spent many a days casting their lines in the pools over the years, catching their prized salmon & enjoying life. Usually they would come home with a fish or two & lots of hilarious stories to tell.
After his wife Marion passed away in Oct. 2017, he moved to Parkland at the Lakes in Dartmouth. Later diagnosed with Dementia, knowing he would require fulltime care & understanding what was going to happen, he wanted to move to Camp Hill to be with other Veterans where he felt comfortable & safe.
He is survived by his daughter & caregiver Kimberley MacGregor (Robert) of Grand Lake, NS. His estranged son Stephen (Donna), daughter-in-law Carol & his 3 son's children. (5 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren) all of Dartmouth/Halifax, NS. His brothers Matthew, Henry (Mag), Gerard (Helen), Jackie, Brennan (Chris), Conrad (Hazel), Michael (Phyllis), Allan (Doreen), sisters-in-law Marie Hynes, Sharon Allen, as well as many nieces & nephews, all of whom live in various locations across Canada.
Besides is parents, he was predeceased by his 2nd wife of 57 years & mother of his daughter, Marion Julia (Allen). His 1st wife of 5 years & mother of his 3 sons, Mary Marion (MacDonald). Sons Kevin (aka Frank) & Dean. Only sister Helen Brennan(Felix) & brothers Lawrence, Vincent (Geraldine), Louis, Mark, Freddy, Neil (Barb), brothers-in-law George Allen (Ann) & Cyril Allen.
Dad was cremated & requested no funeral. His ashes were spread in his favorite place where he seemed to find some peace & happiness. He was just 7 weeks shy of turning 91 & if we're all fortunate enough to live to see that age, our life should be celebrated, not mourned. On his 90th Birthday he said he wanted to live to 101 like his Grandfather but if he didn't, he hoped that those who knew him would think about him & remember a time they had a good laugh together.
Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers & staff at Camp Hill for the amazing programs, care & patience you showed Dad & especially to his incredible Nursing Team on 6 East who went above & beyond your jobs. I will be forever greatful for everything you did for Dad & I. You truly are Angels.
Donations in Dad's memory can be made to Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital or any Veterans Hospital in Canada where they will be greatly appreciated.
And finally, Thank you to Donald K. Walker for taking care of the cremation of my parents. I was so fortunate to be with both of them when they passed & you made making their arrangements a smooth & light hearted affair in a difficult & emotional time. Your kindness & understanding is appreciated beyond words & will not be forgotten.
DAD, MAY THE RIVERS BE FLOWING & THE POOLS FULL..... (Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors, Dartmouth, NS)
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