Judge Kenneth Lee Crowell

Judge Kenneth Lee Crowell of Middleton, NS, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2021, in Drummond Hall, Shannex Parkland, Halifax, NS, which was his home for the past several years. Born in Bridgetown, NS, on October 10, 1929, he was the youngest son of Judge Kenneth Lee Crowell and Enna Harriet (Anderson) Crowell. He graduated from Bridgetown High School, NS, and was President of the Student Council, Captain of the Provincial Champion hockey team, played baseball, track and field and was an officer in the Cadet Corps.

Ken graduated from Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, with a BA in 1951, receiving "letters" in hockey, drama, track, band and soccer. He was the President of the Acadia Amateur Athletic Union, a member of the Student's Union Council and a Life Officer of his class and was one of the founding members of the Acadia radio station.

In 1954, Ken graduated from Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, with his law degree.  While at Dalhousie he played hockey and rugby. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1954 and practiced law in Middleton, NS, with the firm of Crowell, Durland & Gillis until his appointment as a Provincial Court Judge in 1975.  He served as Town of Middleton Solicitor for 14 years, President of the Middleton Rotary Club, the Board of Trade, Past Master of Ionic Lodge, No. 73, A.F. & A.M., Middleton, volunteer fireman and was the Mayor of Middleton. He also served as a member of the NS Provincial Planning Appeal Board and the first Honorary Colonel of 404 Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, NS.

During his 29 years as a NS Provincial Court Judge he served as President of the Provincial Judges Association, President of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges and Council member of the Commonwealth Magistrate's and Judges Association.

Ken married the love of his life Avis Eleanor Bent in 1953. They had 58 beautiful years together until her passing in 2011. His brother, Arch Crowell predeceased him. He is survived by his son, Lee (Cathy), Amherst, their son, Kenneth Crowell (Lyndsey), daughter, Lisa Crowell (Jason). His son, Bryson (Ingrid), Middleton, their son, Colin Crowell (Kyla), daughter, Sarah McAlpine (Cameron and daughter, Maggie). His daughter, Michelle Oxner (David), Lower Sackville, son, Jason Oxner (Kelly and their son, Carson), son, Ryan Oxner (Rachel and their son, Eliott), daughter, Melanie Pennell (Josh) and their son, Henry and his sister-in-law, Jessie Crowell.

Ken enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the Duplicate Bridge Club, enjoyed fishing and hunting at his camp on Big LaHave Lake and was an avid golfer. He was inducted into the Bridgetown Hall of Fame as member of the Bridgetown Hawks, the Provincial Championship Hockey team.

He was a member of St. John's United Church where he served as Chair of the Steward's Committee and a Trustee.  Ken and Avis later joined the Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, Middleton, NS, where he served on several committees and as a Church Elder. In his later years, Ken decided to take up writing short stories. He was very proud when one of his stories was performed at the King's Theatre, Annapolis Royal, NS.

The family wish to thank the staff of the 3rd. floor at Drummond Hall Shannex for their kindness and care during Ken's stay. Donations in Ken's memory can be made to the Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, Middleton, NS, Parkinson Society of Nova Scotia or charity of your choice. By Ken's wishes there will be a family service and interment at a later date.  Funeral arrangements entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com