Dr. Ed Kinley, medical pioneer, dies at 83

Family and friends of Dr. Ed Kinley are remembering him as a modest man who was proud of his work.

Kinley died Monday at his home at the age of 83. 

"What Dad always told us was he had seen too many people in the hospital on life support too many times, and he did not want that," said his daughter, Karen Kinley. "He wanted to die with dignity." 

Kinley is known as a cardiovascular surgery pioneer. He performed the first adult open heart surgery and coronary bypass in Nova Scotia. He also implanted the first pacemaker in Atlantic Canada live on CBC Television.

His team spearheaded the first cardiac surgery program at the IWK and Victoria General.

"He breathed life into thousand and thousands of people and thousands of families," said Jackie Kinley, his daughter. "That's a gift you give people." 

When he wasn't working, he spent time at his family cottage near Mahone Bay and sailing on the Northwest Arm.

"He loved his work," said Karen Kinley. "He was proud of what he did and he worked very hard. But he never went out of his way to tell people what he did."

Ed Kinley's mother died of a condition that years later, Kinley himself could have cured. Karen Kinley believes that motivated his passion for his work.

"He was a gentleman. He was kind to anyone he met. He took the time to get to know people and have conversations with people."

Dr. Eddie Kinley, his son, is also a doctor. 

"I was inspired by him," his son said. "I remember him taking us around his research lab and it just was quite inspiring at a young age. So I had always decided as a youngster that I was going to try to get into medical school."

"He was always trying to refine his craft," he said. "He did an awful lot of research." 

Multi–talented

Kinley had a long list of accomplishments.

He served in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve.

Kinley was an athlete, and helped establish Sport Nova Scotia.

"He was a firm believer in education and also a firm believer in physical fitness," said Eddie Kinley. He said his father would come watch all their sports games, even when they were in university, to show his support. 

Ed Kinley also served a short stint as an MLA, later becoming president of the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia. 

In 2013, Kinley was named to the Order of Nova Scotia.

"Dr. Kinley is known for his selfless service to others and for his energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to promote community health," it says on the Order of Nova Scotia website. 

Kinley's funeral is set for Friday.