Coinneach Dhòmhnaill Choinnich

Kenny Allan Morrison | Coinneach Dhòmhnaill Choinnich was born July 1, 1926 to Don Neil Morrison and Christine MacKay whose people were from Bernaray, Harris. Kenny grew up on the family’s farm in Loch Lomond, Richmond County along with his sisters, Wilma and Anna. He earned a B.A., B.Ed. and MA from Dalhouse, Acadia and St FX Universities respectively, and taught high school English at several schools in Cape Breton including Sydney Academy for many years before retiring in 1984.

Kenny’s obituary describes him as “a devoted husband, father and son, a dedicated teacher, a generous supporter of many charities, a good neighbour with a strong sense of community and a true friend with a dry wit who always went the extra mile. It was said that no one enjoyed retirement as much as he did. People were his hobby; visiting, telephoning, writing, volunteering, attending celebrations or funerals and gifting bread from Ropek’s Bakery to everyone. He was an active member of the Loch Lomond United Church, St Andrew’s United Church and the United Heritage Church. He was a noted Gaelic singer, an enthusiastic participant at area milling frolics, a member of the Cape Breton Gaelic Choir (Òranaiche Cheap Breatuinn) and several church choirs. Having steadfast pride in his Gaelic heritage, he was fluent in the language and a willing source of knowledge to other Celtic artists and scholars.”Both he and his father were fine singers and precentors (leading psalm singing) in church. Kenny passed away on May 7, 2020.

There is one recording of Kenny in the Collection, Òran an Déididh, which is also found in the Beaton Collection.