Hilda Margaret MCKINLAY

1927 - 2023

THE HONOURABLE HILDA MARGARET McKINLAY 1927 - 2023 It is with great sadness that the family of Hilda McKinlay announces her passing, after a brief illness on December 27, 2023, at Georgian Bay General Hospital, with her proud and loving family by her side. Hilda was predeceased by her beloved husband and partner in all things, Ronald Archibald McKinlay, in 2007 after 55 years of marriage; by her dear brother, James Kennedy Galbraith; and her treasured sister, Muriel. Born in Toronto in 1927 to Mildred and Henry Galbraith, Hilda grew up in Toronto and graduated from Northern Secondary School. She attended the University of Toronto, receiving a BA in 1950. In 1953, she made the brilliant decision to marry Ronald and they had four children between 1954 and 1960 while living in Fonthill and Burlington. During this time, Hilda embarked on a musical career, becoming a celebrated soprano soloist. In 1962, the family returned to Toronto and Hilda was accepted into Osgoode Hall Law School, receiving an LLB in 1966. Then followed an LLM from Columbia University School of Law in 1967. Thereafter, she became a professor of law at the University of Toronto Law School. Academia did not hold her for long and she entered practice in commercial and banking law in 1973, first at Fasken and Calvin, and then at Fraser Beatty as a partner. In 1983, Hilda was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario, Trial Division, and then to the Ontario Court of Appeal in 1987. She retired from the court in 1999. In 2003, she received the Award of Excellence and the Robinette Medal from Osgoode Hall Law School. Post retirement, Hilda joined ADR Chambers, an alternative dispute resolution firm. Hilda was, in addition to these many accomplishments, an exceptional baker, cook, knitter, carpenter and dog lover. She was known by insiders as a prolific baker of the famous 'Hilda's buns,' which were a must have part of the many gatherings of family and friends at the cottage or at home. Hilda was a charitable contributor of her time and her financial support. She served on the Board of Bloorview Children's Hospital in her early working years, and has been a generous donor to Toronto General Hospital and Georgian Bay General Hospital. Having an insatiable wanderlust, Hilda travelled around the world to many exotic ports of call with Ronald and often the entire family. During her long life, Hilda spent her summers and weekends at the cherished family cottage on Georgian Bay where, gratefully, she was able to spend the last summer of her life. Hilda leaves her four children, Henry (Yvonne), Mildred (Brian Gillespie), Bill (Kim) and Jim (the late Gina Elsley). Also missing her are her grandchildren, Jennifer (Ray Dizon), Andrew (Shannon Kernaghan), Calum (the late Saori Takagi) and Darcy (Mike Gonek); and of course, her many devoted four-legged friends. Thanks are sent to the excellent nurses and Doctors at Georgian Bay General Hospital, whose support and care were comforts to the whole family. Hilda was a remarkable lady and had a delightful sense of humour which she shared with all. She will be missed. Truly a life well lived. Attributed to Anonymous: 'Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened!' In keeping with her wishes, a private family remembrance will be held at her 'heaven on earth' on Georgian Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations to Georgian Bay General Hospital (gbghf.ca) would be welcomed in Hilda's memory.