Fredericton pays tribute to David Kersey

David Kersey passed away in Fredericton at the age of 77 on February 27, 2022, leaving a community of environmental and social justice activists to mourn him. Kersey was known for his work to make Fredericton safer for cyclists and for electoral reform as well as his active participation with the Green Party.

David Coon, Green Party of New Brunswick Leader and Fredericton South MLA, shared this tribute to Kersey on his Facebook page this morning:

“David Kersey wasn’t at the Market this morning. Most Saturday mornings we would spend some time talking about the issues of the week, and of course the latest in politics. David passed away unexpectedly last Sunday, but I just couldn’t quite accept that reality until I walked into the Market this morning. He really is gone. David was a stalwart of the Fredericton area Greens, a tireless campaigner for me in Fredericton South, and the past CEO for the federal Green Party riding association in Fredericton. You would rarely see David without a bicycle helmet as he biked everywhere he went. He was a deeply principled man who lived his convictions to the fullest. He was serious guy, but I delighted in getting him to smile that warm smile of his. Proud of his Nordic ancestry, he of course was a dedicated cross-country skier. Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. I miss him. We all do. This photo is from the 2020 provincial pandemic election at a campaign event in Sunshine Gardens.”

Jenn Wambolt, a cycling activist in Fredericton, shared:

“David Kersey was a good friend who supported and donated to the Wil-Doo Cycle Club. We worked together to start and establish the Fredericton Active Transportation Coalition. He did presentations for Downtown Fredericton Inc. and city council trying to get bike lanes in the downtown core. We were on the Fredericton Federal Green Party Electoral District Association together building and growing the Green Party. His friendly and calming demeanor always made me smile. I greatly miss him already and will probably still look for him at future gatherings and protests.”

Susan O’Donnell who worked with Kersey through the Green Party shared:

“I worked with David organizing several Green Party events. On the day, David would be the one to stay to the end, packing, cleaning up, making sure everything was OK before we left. He would chat non-stop about whatever he was interested in that day while we worked together, and find a way to draw me into the conversation. He always had something interesting to share. During the pandemic, when he chaired meetings on zoom, I would sometimes want him to speed things up but he always waited to make sure everyone had a chance to have their say. He will be missed by many of us.”

Brad Cross who collaborated with Kersey and enjoyed Fredericton’s nature like he did shared:

“David was determined to make things better for everyone. His mild manner was coupled to a very strong commitment to social justice, environmental responsibility, and open democracy.  Countless times our paths would cross outside of political work, almost always along the trails of Odell Park or the Woodlot-and we always paused to appreciate where we were.  I know so many of us will miss him dearly, yet he left for us a model of engagement and friendship to which we can all aspire.”

Gerry McAlister who knocked on doors with Kersey for the Green Party shared:

“An indefatigable worker for the Green Party and for many other causes. I canvassed with him many times and found him an excellent co-worker. He will be sadly missed.”

Tracy Glynn who got to know Kersey at Cinema Politica Fredericton screenings shared: 

“When I think of the special characters that made Cinema Politica Fredericton what it was, I count David Kersey among them. Those of us who founded Cinema Politica Fredericton wanted it to be an open door to grassroots activism that this world so desperately needs and David walked through that door. At Cinema Politica screenings, David made friends with everyone in the room, he contributed thoughtfully to the post-film discussions and he told us all the ways that we could make a difference. There are people you can count on to show up when it’s important and David was one of them.”

Andrea Francis, a Fredericton social justice activist, shared:  

“It is very sad to hear of David’s passing. He was so active! Biking and downhill skiing, which makes his death even more surprising and difficult to believe. He was a TRUE Green in that he was very conscientious about the environment, which was reflected in the way he lived his life. He did much to reduce his carbon footprint – including tending to his lawn with one of those fabulous manual lawn mowing contraptions. Such a nice man. Pre-covid, I used to run into him all the time–he biking, me walking. I enjoyed our conversations very much. I will miss him.”

Robert Sheidow, who shared a love of cycling with Kersey, shared:

“Thanks for welcoming me into your home and introducing me to an amazing community. I’ll miss biking with you at the back of the Slow Rolls and chatting with you about the future. I know how deeply you cared about what was to come, despite knowing you would not witness it all. You will be missed David Kersey. Love ya.”

A celebration of David Kersey’s life will be held at a later date with family and close friends.

Donations in memory of David Kersey can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.