Walter Herbert Kemp

Born in Montreal in 1938, Walter was educated at the Universities of Toronto, Harvard and Oxford. He had an active career as a musicologist, organist, choir director, composer and chair of music departments. Among his accomplishments, he founded and developed the music department at Waterloo Lutheran University (WLU) and in 1977 moved to Halifax to become Chair of the Dalhousie music department. He wrote and published a number of books and composed music, mostly for choirs. He was organist at Halifax’s historic St. Paul’s church and the University of King’s College chapel. One of his greatest passions was directing choirs including at WLU, the Dal Chorale, the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir, and the Walter Kemp Singers. Walter was active in the community as artistic and administrative director of Opera Nova Scotia, for many years he led a popular Christmas concert, hosted the “Saturday Morning Musical Box” on CKDU radio, and was conductor of the Gilbert and Sullivan society. His services to the community were recognized through being awarded the Portia White Prize and the HM Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Dr. Kemp (as he was known to many) will be missed for his music, his teaching, and his wit and wisdom.

He leaves behind his loving wife Valda with whom he was married for over 61 years, his daughter Carol, his son Walter, memories of his daughter Dora, as well as five super grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JASnowFuneralHome.com for the Kemp family.