|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McDONALD, Robin Arthur - of Halifax. Family and friends were devastated to learn that long-serving Halifax lawyer Robin McDonald passed away on August 29, 2020 at age 69. Son of Commander Arthur Hathaway McDonald and Rosemary (Wallace) McDonald, Robin was born and raised in Halifax and Ottawa. As a reserve naval cadet, he earned his bachelor's degree at Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont., graduating in the Class of 1971 when he was still just 19 years old. He then continued his studies in Kingston at the Faculty of Law at Queens University, gaining admission to the bar in 1974. With Terry Cooper in 1977, he founded the law firm of Cooper & McDonald, and served clients in the areas of commercial law, real-estate law and civil litigation until 2007. Robin was a talented enthusiast who brought limitless energy to all his professional, scholarly and recreational activities. His clients remember him as a savvy, caring advocate who sought fairness in every dealing. His colleagues respected his expansive knowledge of the law, boosted by a photographic memory that enabled him to cite the specifics of even obscure case law with indisputable precision. His friends gratefully welcomed his authentic, sustained interest in their pursuits, and many experienced his readiness to help anyone in need. A seasoned sailor and long-time member of the Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Robin loved the sea. After retirement, he and his adored wife Karen embarked on a life of travel and adventure to the watery parts of the world, often on sailing trips with members of their close-knit family. Whether at their summer home on Williams Lake in Halifax, or their winter roosts in Victoria, B.C., and Barbados, they routinely surrounded themselves with family and friends, all of whom will sadly miss Robin's fine cooking, witty conversation and roaring laughter. Robin is survived by his wife, Karen Lyle; her daughters, Christine Taylor (and Shane) in Halifax; and Catherine Quentien (and Marc) in Victoria, B.C.; as well as his much-loved grandchildren, Zachary, Vanessa, Michael, James, Maisie; and great-granddaughter, Gemma. Robin is also survived by his sisters, Janet Riddell (and Ray Riddell) of Woodman's Point, N.B.; Katherine McDonald (and Ray Cannings) of Ottawa, Ont.; and Yolande McDonald of McLean, Va. He will also be greatly missed by nieces and nephews, Dylan, Patrick, Jessica, Max, Jaqueline and Jackson; brother-in-law, Ken Powell; and sisters-in-law, Joan Harrison, Sandi Thompson, Sheila Thompson, Lori Voogt and Linda Bessem. In lieu of flowers, Robin's family would appreciate that donations be made to Canadian Cancer Society.
|
