Phil Ferraro, an internationally recognized ecological visionary and social justice activist whose efforts helped educate, empower, and feed the community, died after a brief battle with cancer on September 26, 2026. He was 73.

 

Originally from the United States, Mr. Ferraro, known simply as “Phil,” was born on Aug. 10, 1953, in Paterson, N.J. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 with an undergraduate degree in English and education, as well as a Master’s degree at the Institute for Social Ecology at Goddard College in Vermont.

 

He became a proud Canadian after moving to Nova Scotia in 1983 where he began the province’s first certified organic farm, and then moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1992. Over the past 45 years, Phil has spoken at numerous events in Canada, the United States and overseas, including such diverse occasions as a royal invitation to Windsor Castle in England to a variety of community farming events in Cuba and Taiwan.

 

This past August, he and his wife Nancy hosted a conference entitled “Elbows Up: The Age of Responsibility.” In his opening remarks, Phil quoted his mentor, ecologist Murray Bookchin, "If we do not do the impossible, we shall be faced with the unthinkable.”

 

Much of what Phil did may have seemed impossible until he did it:

 

• In 1995, Phil co-founded the Institute for Bioregional Studies, a nonprofit organization to foster community and promote socially, economically and environmentally sustainable practices.

 

• Starting in 1999 as CEO of the PEI ADAPT Council, Phil spent 15 years advancing innovative agricultural ideas by Island farmers to enhance the resiliency and diversity of PEI’s farming community.

 

• As General Manager of the PEI Farm Centre since the early 2000’s, Phil managed the facility that he described as “simple but visionary”, being one central place where commodity groups, agriculture and primary industry organizations could come together and work collaboratively.

 

• In 2014, Phil created the 8.5-acre Legacy Garden, one of the largest urban farms in Canada. The Legacy Garden employs organic gardening techniques and produces over 10,000 lbs of food annually that is given away to local food banks and senior care facilities. It also provides the opportunity for individuals to grow their own vegetables on approximately 200 community plots.

 

• The Legacy Garden also hosts community events and programs for therapeutic horticulture to benefit individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with autism, physical and mental disabilities, and veterans living with PTSD.

 

• In 2016, the programming was expanded to Little River Farm, a 7.5-acre farm and food forest in Eastern PEI.

 

On the 50th anniversary of the Farm Centre Last year, Phil said the Farm Centre’s greatest achievement is being a gathering place for farmers and the broader community. He also said the Legacy Garden is “one of the largest urban agriculture sites in Canada... And it’s thriving—more than ever, every year.”

 

In his remarks at the conference in August, Phil reaffirmed a conviction that has guided much of his life: “We are not powerless, and the future is not predetermined.” As we face the challenges of the world today, Phil challenges us to “recover our capacity to imagine what does not yet exist—and accept responsibility for beginning to build it.”

 

Phil loved his family fiercely. He is survived by his wife Nancy Willis and four children, Meredith (Michel) Willis Vautour, Kiva (Natasha) Ferraro, Calina Ferraro and Shaman (Ann) Ferraro; his grandchildren, Alexandre Vautour, Cohen Ferraro, Jasper Ferraro, Gabriel Ferraro, and Julian Ferraro; his sister, Barbara (Warren) Lewis, and brother, Thomas (Maureen) Ferraro. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Willis.

 

A Celebration of Life, open to the public, will be hosted by his family from 1-3pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026 in the Legacy Garden located behind the PEI Farm Centre at 420 University Ave. in Charlottetown.

 

Arrangements entrusted to MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

After a life full of creativity, curiosity, and probably a few too many tech support calls, Fred passed away quietly on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

 

Born on October 1, 1950, to Lee and Peg, Fred grew up mostly in Buchans, Newfoundland. He spent his career working in Tech Support and Electronic Repairs, through the Atlantic provinces, keeping things running behind the scenes. But while computers and radar were his day job, his true passions were more picturesque and creative.

 

Fred saw the world through a colourful lens. If he wasn't out capturing life's quiet moments with his photography, he was in front of a canvas, bringing landscapes to life with paint. He loved nothing more than traveling and experiencing new places with his wife of 53 years.

 

Left behind to miss him terribly are his wife Joyce (nee MacLeod), children Penny and Coralie, grandson Parker, and lifelong friend Eileen, along with a close circle of friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his Aunt Mary.

 

Special Thank You to Dr. Weagle, the staff of Home Care, QEH Unit One, and the Provincial Palliative Care Centre.

 

Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation directly to a Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

 

Drop in and celebrate Fred’s life and see some of his art with us on Thursday, October 1 any time between 3 and 5 at Maclean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Dress code is casual and comfortable—exactly how Fred would want it. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The family announces the passing of Bessie "Uldine" Dickieson (née White), of New Glasgow, PEI, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the age of 93 years.

 

Uldine is survived by her son, Douglas Dickieson (Patricia) of Sudbury, Ontario, and her daughter, Wendy Abdallah (Rabih) of Charlottetown. Loving grandmother of Jamie (Sarah), Jennifer Dickieson Hodge (Nick), and Scott (Emily), and proud great-grandmother of Arthur, Brody, Charles, Matilda, Douglas, Reilly, Maxwell, Nolan, Oliver, and Finnigan.

 

Uldine was predeceased by her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, Blois G. Dickieson; her parents, J. Derril White and Bessie B. White (Maney); her twin brother, Melvin (Norma and Shirley) White; her sisters, Bernice (Johnny) McNay and Leah (Len) Park; and her great-granddaughter, Grace.

 

Education was both a profession and a lifelong passion for Uldine. Beginning her teaching career at the remarkable age of 14, she devoted more than four decades to education. She taught at Pownal School, New Glasgow School, Central Queens, and Charlottetown Rural High School before serving as a guidance counsellor at Colonel Gray High School until her retirement in 1994. A dedicated lifelong learner, she continued her own studies throughout her career and earned a master's degree from the University of New Brunswick.

 

Uldine had a lifelong love of animals, especially her horses, and treasured the years spent on the family farm in New Glasgow. The farm, the countryside, and the community she loved remained a source of happiness throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, her love of family, her devotion to her students, and the remarkable resilience and fortitude with which she faced the challenges of severe arthritis.

 

The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Andrews of Park West and to all those who provided care, support, and compassion to Uldine throughout her later years.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel, from where the service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live-streamed here. Interment later in New Glasgow Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the New Glasgow Cemetery Fund or the Bessie B. & J. Derrill White Memorial Award at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI. Visitation from 9:30 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

 

Bessie B. & J. Derrill White Memorial Award at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI

550 University Ave

Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3

Ph: 902-566-0615

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Walter “Russell” Blackett announces his peaceful passing on September 23, 2026, at the age of 73.

 

Born to Walter and Pearl (nee Mason) on July 12, 1953, Russell was raised in Long Creek, Prince Edward Island, and spent his entire life in the community he called home.

 

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He married Patricia Doucette on October 7, 1972 and they were blessed with two daughters, Kelly and Krista, the pride of his life. Lovingly referred to as “Bompy”, his granddaughters Kaylee, Taylor, and Ryleigh brought him the joy of being a grandfather , and the most recent addition of his great-granddaughter, Raegan, added another special place in his heart.

 

Russell showed his love through action and would do anything for his family. He was always making sure everyone got where they needed to go and was often found on the lookout for the next car he could fix up for one of his girls.

 

For more than 40 years, Russell was a familiar face on the rural roads of the West River community as a mailman and Guardian delivery driver. His days began hours before sunrise, and he knew those roads like the back of his hand.

 

Due to a car accident at the age of 13, Russell became an amputee, but the loss of his legs never defined what he could do or what kind of life he could live. Russell carried on with determination and a quiet strength that stayed with him throughout his life.

 

He was always supportive of Patricia and her many hobbies. Whatever new thing she took on, Russell did anything he could to help. Their life together was built on loyalty, laughter, and decades of shared memories.

 

Russell spent the last seven months of his life at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre, where he received exceptional care and kindness. After a lifetime of taking care of everyone else, it was finally his turn. He was surrounded by people who treated him with compassion, dignity, and genuine care, and his family will always be grateful for the love and support he received there.

 

Russell will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Patricia; siblings Joyce and Wendell; daughters, Kelly and Krista; granddaughters, Kaylee Rieger (Christoph), Taylor Kennedy, and Ryleigh Kennedy; and great-granddaughter, Raegan Rieger.

 

Russell’s life was not measured by the things he had or the challenges he faced, but by the people he loved and the countless ways he showed up for them. His passing leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved him, but his memory will live on in the family he cherished, the roads he travelled, the stories he shared, and all the lives he touched along the way.

 

He will be loved, remembered, and missed every day.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. No visitation or funeral service by personal request. Interment at St. Martins of Tours Cemetery, Cumberland on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of Russell's life will be held at the Kingston Legion, Branch #30, New Haven following the interment. If so desired, donations may be made directly to Hospice PEI or the PEI Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Hospice PEI

119 Water Street

Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A8

Ph: 902-368-4498

 

PEI Humane Society

Box 20022

Charlottetown, PE C1A 9E3

Ph: 902-892-1190

The death occurred peacefully at Geneva Villa on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, of Helen Bernice Cudmore of Charlottetown, formerly of Oyster Bed Bridge, PEI.

 

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Verna Cudmore, and her many nieces and nephews.

 

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Lois Cudmore, Edward Cudmore, Joyce Blair, and Isabel Kerry.

 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Geneva Villa for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Helen over the years. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to Helen and her family and are deeply appreciated.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel, with interment at a later date in Winsloe North Cemetery, Winsloe.

 

In keeping with Helen's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred suddenly at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday, September 21, 2026, of Murray Allan Myles of Stratford, age 82 years. Loving husband of Norma (nee Meek), and proud father of Sharon (Rodney) Dekker. Fondly remembered by his siblings-in-law Jean Myles, Sylvia (Donald) McNevin, and Allan (Lynda) Meek and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Harold and Phyllis (Fougere) Myles, parents-in-law Oliver and Adele Meek, and brothers Ernest and Donald.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 1:00 p.m. from St. Thomas’ Anglican Church Cemetery, Springbrook. No visitation by personal request. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation or St. Thomas’ Anglican Cemetery. 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

 

St. Thomas' Anglican Cemetery

PO Box 760

Kensington, PE C0B 1M0

With sadness, tempered by gratitude for his wonderful life, the family of Wes MacAleer announces his passing on September 19,2026, at the Provincial Palliative Care Center in Charlottetown, P.E.I. following a battle with cancer. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving family who kept vigil and sang his favourite sing-along songs.

 

Wes was born in Summerside and grew up in Charlottetown as the cherished son of the late John Frederick MacAleer and the late Blanche (Campbell) MacAleer. He was the beloved husband of Connie (Bateman) MacAleer for 57 years and a devoted father to their children Gillian King and Darren (Lannia Pan) MacAleer and their granddaughters Olivia King and Julia MacAleer.

 

A graduate of St. Dunstan's University (1966) and a graduate student in History at Dalhousie University, Wes moved with his wife, Connie, to Yellowknife, N.W.T. in 1969 to manage the first Arctic Winter Games. Following the successful Games, Wes and Connie decided to remain in Yellowknife where he became an entrepreneur. Wes was involved in many businesses, most notably as a co-founder of Mackenzie Media, the first privately owned broadcasting enterprise in the N.W.T. He was also involved in the development of high-quality office buildings and affordable housing. Wes entered municipal politics in Yellowknife, serving two terms on City Council and as Deputy Mayor.

 

Wes and his family returned to P.E.I. in 1987 to support his aging parents. On P.E.I., he became known for his active involvement in numerous volunteer organizations. He took great pride in being a Rotarian for most of his adult life. He also loved playing tennis and found great joy in the friendships he shared with his tennis buddies.

 

Wes was elected to the P.E.I. Legislature with the Pat Binns Progressive Conservative government in 1996 and served until 2007. During his years in government, he served as Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Minister of Community Affairs, and Attorney General.

 

Often referred to as the “Singing MLA”, Wes was well known for singing at seniors’ homes and nursing homes with wife, Connie and, later with a nine-person band. In 2018, the University of Prince Edward Island awarded Wes an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his service to the community.

 

Wes will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, his sister Bethany (Ray) Elliott and her children Tom, Jennifer and Jonathan and their families. He will also be deeply missed by his cousins, Dorothy Johnston, Fulton (Liz) Hamill and their families. Also profoundly missing him will be Wes and Connie’s honorary children, Drs. Shadi and Emad Naseri and their son Ryan Weston of Vancouver, B.C. Wes was predeceased by his parents and two siblings; Catherine in infancy and Noel (Debbie Salter), at the age of 22.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel, from where visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life event will be held at the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For those wishing to attend virtually, the celebration will be streamed at https://bit.ly/3VBMEQ5 Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Provincial Palliative Care Centre in Charlottetown, to a charity or scholarship fund of your choice, or by honoring his memory through volunteering and extending kindness to those in your community. Wes was a great believer in “paying kindness forward”. In consideration of allergies, the family asks no flowers be sent.

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

Provincial Palliative Care Centre

93 Murchison Lane

Charlottetown, PE

C1A 0G3

Ph: 902-368-4781

The death occurred suddenly on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital surrounded by the love of family, of Debralee “Debbie” McInnis of Charlottetown, age 73 years. Loving mother of Stephanie, Krisanne (Kent) Butler, and Stephen. Father of her children Gerard McInnis. Proud Nanny of Myles, Nathan, Luke, Ruby, and Jordyn and great-Nanny of Noah. Lovingly remembered by her sister Barbara (Joel) Carney, uncles Basil (Liz) and Wayne MacKinnon, partner Sidney McCallum, and daughter-in-law Chantal. Loving aunt of Kyle, Christian, and Killian. Predeceased by her parents William David and Shirley (MacKinnon) Rhynes and aunt Vicki MacKinnon.

 

Debbie spent her life caring for others. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her nursing career at the QEH for over 40 years, provided loving care to her patients. She enjoyed beautiful music and loved to dance the night away.

 

The family extends their gratitude to the ICU staff at the QEH for their compassionate care.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Interment in Peoples Cemetery. A private graveside service will be held. If so desired, donations may be made directly to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred peacefully at the Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, of Minnie Margaret Blanchard (nee Davies) of Charlottetown, age 95 years. Beloved wife of the late Nelson Blanchard. Loving mother of Katherine (Mark) O’Shea and grandmother of two. Fondly remembered by her siblings John (Roma) and Edith. Predeceased by her parents George and Jane (Penny) Davies, daughter Penny Frederick, and siblings Marie, Evelyn, Margaret, George, Howard, and Lester.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. No visitation or funeral service by personal request. Interment in Sherwood Cemetery. If so desired, donations may be made directly to the IWK Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

 

Donations may be made directly to:

 

IWK Health Centre Foundation

5855 Spring Garden Road, Suite B220

Halifax, NS B3H 4S2

foundationmail@iwk.nshealth.ca

Ph: 902-470-8085 or 1-800-595-2266

Passed away at Pleasant Meadow Manor, Norwood, on September 4th, 2026. Carol Coffin of Norwood, formerly of Morell, Prince Edward Island, in her 89th year. Sister of the late Wendell (Nadia), and the late Earle (d. Joyce). Survived by her niece Jennifer Coffin, nephews John Coffin (Susan), Greg Coffin (Anne-Marie), Bruce Coffin, great nieces Katelyn Warner, Jaimie Coffin and great nephews Tyler Warner, Scott Coffin, Anson and Alton Coffin. Predeceased by her parents Wendall and Jean (nee. Minchin). Deeply missed by her friends Tom and Joyce, Jack and Nancy Deen and families.

 

A graveside service will be held in Midgell Cemetery on Friday, September 18 at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com