Obituary of Kenneth Ainslie

Ainslie, Dr. Kenneth "Ross" known simply as "Doc" by most - 88, Halifax, formerly of Shubenacadie, NS, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2017, at Maplestone Enhanced Care. Born in Shubenacadie, he was the only son of the late Ernest and Irene (Cottam) Ainslie. Ross was raised on a farm, where his first experiences with animals began at a very young age while helping his family on the homestead. His passion for animals continued through his youth and he attended the Nova Scotia Agriculture College in Truro, NS. Ross was a proud graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College Class of 1952, where he met many life-time friends and colleagues. All six of his fellow Nova Scotia Graduates from 1952 became successful in their home province. The friendship these classmates cultivated, brought the six together to purchase a camp on Lake Ainslie, where they enjoyed many years of comradery, Ross was the last surviving member of the Nova Scotia Six. The 1952 graduating class continued strongly from that day forward and they remained in very close contact all their lives including many reunions. In 1953, Ross met the love of his life, Isabelle, whom he later married in 1954. Also in 1953, Ross bought his first veterinary practice in Halifax, where he served his community as a veterinarian to all animals, often having to travel to assist animals in need. From there, he opened numerous veterinary hospitals and was a well known, well loved and long time local veterinarian as well being considered a true pioneer within the veterinary world. Being a veterinarian, Ross cherished animals, he had a true love of German Shorthaired Pointers, owning three beloved "Heidi’s". Throughout his life, Ross had a love of music another life long passion. Within this love of music he and long-time friends began a band, "Four Wheel Drive with Spares" with Ross on guitar. The band has played together for 37 years. Ross was also a long time member of the Saraguay Squadron, where he spent many years in various capacities and was proud to have been instrumental in maintaining the club as a private and independent Squadron. Ross will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Christine "Isabelle" (Ferguson), his two sons, Kevin (Ann), Ottawa and Peter (Peggy), Halifax, his treasured grandchildren, Carissa, Michael and Kyle; sister, Joyce Baker, Chilliwack, BC; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and close extended family; his closet friend Roddie Robertson, colleagues and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister, Helen. The family would like to thank the staff at Maplestone for the care and compassion while our father was under their care for the last two years and the comfort they provided especially over the last 2 weeks. Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 26, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Saraguay Club, 360 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax, NS. A celebration of Ross’s life will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1390 Robie Street, Halifax. A reception will follow the service at the Saraguay Club. Interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery, Shubenacadie. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ross may be made to the SPCA.