"Find pleasure not in my work, but in nature’s beauty which inspires me to portray it." ~ K.W. Spearing

 

The death occurred peacefully at home on Monday, January 26, 2026, of Kenneth W. “Ken” Spearing of Stratford, age 81 years. Beloved partner of Rhoda Martin, father of Tracey Woods, grandfather of Jayda and Jenna, brother of Anita June Duckenfield and brother-in-law of Valerie Spearing. Fondly remembered by niece, nephews, and extended family. Predeceased by his parents William and Norma (Pratt) Spearing, brother Glen Spearing, and brother-in-law Terry Duckenfield.

 

A native of Hants County, Nova Scotia, Ken developed a deep love and appreciation of nature and wildlife at an early age. As a child and into his late teens, Ken raised a wide variety of unusual pets much to the dismay of his family and neighbours. Included in his menagerie were hawks, owls, racoons, foxes, crows, pigeons and wild rabbits.

 

His love of family was evident every day. Ken always wanted to keep up with what everyone was doing. Although many of the family were separated by geography, he still tried to keep in touch.

 

Ken and his family moved to Ontario when he was about six years old. Ken received his formal education as a chemical engineer at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto, Ontario. He had a wide-ranging career in his chosen engineering field based in Ontario. Ken was involved in several iconic Canadian engineering projects including the Avro Arrow and the Canadian Naval Hydrofoil HMCS Bras d’Or. Ken travelled the world as an engineer and was even considered to be an ‘expert witness’ where he used his expertise to assist in legal issues.

 

Ken retired from his engineering career at an early age as he wanted to pursue his life-long love of creating art full-time. Ken returned to Nova Scotia to live and work as an artist. He was also a renowned mural artist, especially well known for his murals in Windsor, NS. While living and working in Nova Scotia, Ken also travelled to Europe many times to paint. He loved the time he spent there so much and gained wide recognition there.

 

He moved to PEI in 2016 and continued working as a professional artist here, first in Charlottetown and then in Stratford. His favourite medium was oil and working with a palette knife. In his life Ken produced everything from huge murals to tiny little paintings but all done with love and connection to the work. Many of his works were framed by his own hand, creating his own brand of frames machined in his workshop. He loved to paint outside on location so he could be close to the nature that he loved so dearly.

 

In addition to his art, Ken had a love of archery which he shared with his father. Together they created many wooden bows as they were both skilled craftsmen. His love of traditional archery remained constant throughout his life. Ken was a member of the PEI Archery Association, West Covehead as well as being a former member of several archery clubs in Nova Scotia. He continued to build his own bows over the years and loved to share his knowledge of the sport with all archers.

 

One of his other creative loves was wood carving. Ken was a member of the PEI Wildfowl Carvers Association. He loved to carve local birds, especially shore birds. His love and knowledge of various types of wood shows in all his work.

 

Ken was also a skilled artisan carpenter. He restored old houses, designed and built new homes. His wealth of knowledge extended from roofs to basements and all things in between. He had his own cabinetry business at one time as well.

 

Ken had a big spirit and love of life. He so enjoyed talking with people – those he knew and those he just met. His outgoing personality and sense of humour were so infectious, people simply gravitated to him. He loved to talk with children of all ages and was never happier than helping them on their life path. He also loved to teach art to many age groups over the years and was always supportive in other’s artistic endeavours.

 

Ken was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church, Charlottetown. He was a former member of the church’s Board of Trustees. He loved to help with projects around the church and he loved to chat with friends there both old and new.

 

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Matheson Hall at Zion Presbyterian Church, Charlottetown. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the PEI Humane Society or Queens Palliative Home Care. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

PEI Humane Society

Box 20022

Charlottetown, PE C1A 9E3

Ph: 902-892-1190

 

Queens Palliative Home Care

Contact: Tracey Merritt

165 John Yeo Dr, Suite 201

Charlottetown, PE C1E 3J3

Ph: 902-368-4786

The death occurred with family by her side at Burnside Community Care-Clyde River on Saturday, June 20, 2026, of Majorie “Jean” MacLean (nee McDougall), age 87 years. Loving mother of Kent and Janice (Mark) MacDonald and Nanny to her devoted and treasured grandson Malcolm (Katelyn) MacDonald. Fondly remembered by sister-in-law Mary McDougall and a special aunt to Peter (Jill), Stephen (Tara) and Billy (Kristy) McDougall and Jennifer (Rayelle) MacDonald. Predeceased by her parents Lemuel and Marjorie (Wood) McDougall and brothers John (Helen) and Alan.

 

Deepest gratitude to the staff at Burnside Community Care for their loving care of Jean.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Visiting hours Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for family and friends. A private family interment will be held in The Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of PEI or Diabetes Canada. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island

166 Fitzroy Street

Charlottetown, PE C1A 1S1

Ph: 902-628-2257

 

Diabetes Canada

1000-170 University Avenue

Toronto, ON M5H 3B3

Tollfree: 1-800-banting (226-8464)

The death occurred peacefully with family by his side, at the Garden Home on Thursday, June 18, 2026, of Howard Cecil Laird of New Glasgow, age 82 years. Beloved husband of Jacquie (nee Chapman). Lovingly remembered by his sister Etta Reid, niece Cheryl (Adam) MacKay and nephew David (Jamie) Chapman. Predeceased by his parents Chalmers and Doris (Buntain) Laird.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Monday at 11:00 a.m. from Central Queens United Church. Interment in New Glasgow Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the New Glasgow Cemetery or Central Queens United Church. Visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

New Glasgow Cemetery

c/o Gordon Orr

187 Snowie Rd

Mayfield, PE C0A 1N0

 

Central Queens United Church

PO Box 130

Hunter River, PE C0A 1N0

Ph: 902-964-2221

The death occurred peacefully at Whisperwood Villa on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, of Harold Joseph Byers, age 79 years. Loving Papa to his daughter Tracey and proud grandfather to Tabitha (Marshall), Terran (Isaac), and River. Fondly remembered by his Moncton family – Shawn (Roger), Mike, Krissy, and Cassidy and siblings Benny, John, Lucy, and Roger. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Irene Byers, siblings Alice, Frankie and Mildred, and his special sister-in-law Ann.

 

Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Whisperwood Villa.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. There will be no visitation or funeral service by personal request. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Shirley Lois (Moreside) Young went to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

Shirley was born in Charlottetown on May 7, 1933, and life began surrounded by family and alongside her twin brother, Blaine. She married the love of her life, Neil Young, and together they built a life centered on serving the Lord and raising their family with faith, love, and devotion.

 

She leaves behind her only living brother, Floyd Moreside, and her four children Richard “Dick” (Susan), Patsy, Lorna (Wayne) Peters, and Allan (Donna). Shirley was a proud and loving grandmother to Steven, Anitra, Jeni, Rachel, Cheryl, Lisa, and Janelle, and was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy.

 

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Neil Young; parents Lloyd and Hattie (Robbins) Moreside, twin brother Blaine, and other siblings.

 

Shirley was deeply loved and will be forever missed. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her strength, warmth, and the countless memories she created over the years. Her love for family and her commitment to living a life of faith touched all who knew her.

 

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the PE Home for the exceptional care, compassion, kindness, and support shown to Shirley. Your dedication brought comfort to Shirley and her family and will always be deeply appreciated. A special thank you to granddaughter Cheryl Young for her loving care and support of Nanny.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Tuesday from Central Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Central Christian Church Building fund. Visiting hours Monday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Central Christian Church (Building fund)

167 Hillsborough Street

Charlottetown, PE

C1A 4W8

Ph: 902-894-5234

The death occurred peacefully surrounded by loving family, at her late residence on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, of Valerie Phillis of Charlottetown, age 91 years. Wife of the late Christopher Phillis. Loving mother of Paul, and proud Grandma of Robin, Eliza (Luc) and Thomas (Amanda) and great-grandma of Miriam and Emma. Predeceased by sons Carl and Peter Phillis.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel from where the service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to Plan International Canada. No visiting hours by personal request. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Plan International Canada

245 Eglinton Ave East

Suite 300

Toronto, ON M4P 0B3

1-800-387-1418

The death occurred peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family of James Basil “Mick” Brown, of Charlottetown, age 84 years. Loving husband of Gerry (House), father of Jeff (Gillian) and proud Pa of Hudson, Vincent, and Eve. Lovingly remembered by brother Dale (Brenda), sister Helen “Chickie” (Francie) Hill, brothers-in-law Enzo and Terry, and their families. Predeceased by his parents James and Margaret (Daley) Brown, and siblings Alan, Anne, Steve, and Lynn.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Visiting hours Thursday, June 11, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. No funeral service by personal request. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of choice. Interment in Corner Brook, Newfoundland at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred peacefully at Kings County Memorial Hospital on Monday, June 1, 2026, of Shirley Mae Frances Affleck. Wife of the late Bruce Affleck. Loving mother of Gwen (Chris) Johnson and Paul “Woofer” Affleck (Olive Crane). Nanny Shirley of Leanne (Errol) Feehan, Susan Millard (Curtis Madsen), Christine Johnson, Stephen (Ashley) Johnson, Lindy Affleck (Mark Palmer), Drew Affleck (Meghan Smith), and Lydia Affleck and proud Nanny Shirley to great-grandchildren Ethan, Griffin, Luke, Madison, Mason, Duke, Jaxon, Wynne, and Eloise. Lovingly remembered by her siblings June Burke, Barbara Simpson, Wilma (Wayne) Hambly, Roger Coffin (Louise Smith), Janice Crane, and Sterling (Helen) Coffin, sister-in-law June Coffin, and their families. Predeceased by her parents Clarence and Laura (Hughes) Coffin, siblings Ida (Roy) Mitchell, Cora (Al) Partridge, Junior (Helen), Keir (Nancy), Art (Joyce), Raymond, Suzanne (Ray) Crann, brothers-in-law Alston Burke, Stu Simpson, and Stephen Crane, sister-in-law Muriel Coffin, and her Affleck siblings-in-law.

 

Shirley was a force for good in her community – nourishing people’s bodies and souls with her loving care and delicious baked goods. She was actively involved in the food program at Mount Stewart Consolidated School, where all the children lovingly referred to her as “Nanny Shirley”.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Sunday at 3:00 p.m. from St. John’s United Church, Mount Stewart. Interment in Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, donations may be made directly to the Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery or St. John’s United Church. Visiting hours Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery

Contact: Darlene Doyle

44 Palmer’s Lane, Unit 5

Mount Stewart, PE C0A 1T0

 

St. John’s United Church

Contact: Darlene Doyle

44 Palmer’s Lane, Unit 5

Mount Stewart, PE C0A 1T0

The death occurred peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, of Kathleen Anderson (nee Pratt) of St. Peter’s, age 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Don Anderson. Loving mother of Sharon, Susan, Scott (Cathy) and Sally (Mike) Christie, grandmother of Lindsay (Nick) Policelli, Stephanie Anderson (David Jones), Dr. Ellen and Laura MacCannell, Max and Laine Christie and adoring great-grandmother of Nora, Nate, Claire and Annie Policelli, and Sophie Anderson. Lovingly remembered by her brother Charlie (Barb) Pratt, brother-in-law Dr. W. Alan Anderson, sisters-in-law Merrijoy Kelner and Ann Anderson, and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents C.C. and Olive (Anderson) Pratt, siblings Barbara, Halbert, Lois, Mary (David) Nott, Anna (Don) Fraser, David (Grace), and Roddy (Mary), parents-in-law W.W. and Florence (MacSwain) Anderson, and siblings-in-law Ken, The Honourable Doris, David, and Dr. Robert N. (Marion) Anderson.

 

Kathleen loved working with the nurses, staff and especially the babies at Public Health Nursing until she was 70. She was an active community volunteer, dedicating countless hours to the United Church Women and Women’s Institute. She was a member of the provincial WI board. Kathleen shared her musical talents as organist of St. Peter’s Bay United Church and made precious memories with her grandchildren of her practice time at the piano. She was an extraordinary baker – making batches of fresh bread weekly, in addition to squares, cookies, pies, cakes, rolls and other goodies. Friday was baking day and the cupboard was always stocked full to the delight of her family and their friends.

 

Kathleen had a zest for adventure and loved traveling with Don and other family members. She and Susan enjoyed cruising the world in her later years.

 

She loved to laugh and her story telling made others laugh, especially when she put her own spin on a punchline.

 

Thank you to all the staff of EMS, the ER, and Unit 1 at the QEH. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care from the nurses and doctors Scales, Neily, and Ellsworth.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Friday, June 5, 2026, from St. Peter’s Bay United Church at 3:00 p.m. Interment in Midgell Cemetery. For those wishing to view the funeral, please click here. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, or St. Peter’s Bay United Church. Visiting hours Thursday from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation

PO Box 6600

Charlottetown, PE

C1A 8T5

Ph: 902-894-2425

 

PEI Cancer Treatment Centre

c/o Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation

PO Box 6600

Charlottetown, PE

C1A 8T5

Ph: 902-894-2425

  St. Peter’s Bay United Church Mount Stewart - Morell - St. Peter's Bay Pastoral Charge PO Box 67 Mount Stewart, PE C0A 1T0

With broken hearts, the family of Alice Catherine Pigott share her passing at the QEH on Thursday, May 28, 2026, after a long battle with health issues over the years. Alice was the beloved first daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Campbell) Pigott of Mount Stewart.

 

Alice was predeceased by her grandparents Lena and James Campbell, parents Robert and Helen Pigott, her sisters Ruth (Alan) Doyle, Rose (Stanley) Sanderson, Marion Affleck, and her niece Amber (Clark) Jadis.

 

Alice will always be remembered for her love of family, church, delicious baking, and of course her love of independence.

 

Alice went to work fulltime as a young teenager, always in a kitchen setting. She worked at Rendezvous Restaurant on Kent St. and then moved up the block to Stead’s Pharmacy lunch counter, where she made lifelong friends (including Duffy) and made the best homemade treats in town. She moved to the Confederation Center kitchen and later worked at the Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home. Her own health eventually forced her to stop being employed, but she never stopped baking or making preserves for her church, family, friends, or anyone who asked.

 

Alice resided at St. John House in Stratford where she took on the role of "Mother Hen" to many of her neighbours there, whom she cared for with cooking meals and checking on them in absence of family who couldn’t be there themselves, even in her own declining health.

 

She is lovingly remembered by her sister Roberta (Kent) Clark and brother-in-law Stanley Affleck. Alice dearly loved all her nephews, nieces, and their families but especially Aaron (Jessica) Pigott and their boys William and Charley.

 

Alice also dearly loved her visits and telephone conversations with her many cousins and relatives, but none more special than Roy (the late Jean) Coffin, who helped to care for her in many ways.

 

Trinity United Church became Alice’s second home, but she loved her summertime Sundays at Clifton United.  

Many thanks to Alice’s doctors who have saved her many times, and the homecare nurses for their care and attention.

 

As per Alice’s wishes, there will no service or visiting hours by personal request. Cremation has taken place. Alice will be laid to rest with her mother and father in Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery in the near future. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

“As heaven’s gates opened to welcome her home, she was likely looking for the kitchen – well prepared with her faithful white apron.”