Estey Family Genealogy & History

Willard Zebedee "Bud" Estey was a distinguished Canadian justice known for his impactful career in the Supreme Court of Canada. Serving from 1977 to 1988, Estey was pivotal in drafting the first major judgment on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, notably the Skapinker judgment in 1984. His career highlights include roles as Chief Justice of Ontario and Chief Justice of the High Court of Justice of Ontario. Estey was also a trustee of the Stanley Cup and led the Inquiry into the collapse of major Canadian banks. His academic achievements include degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and Harvard Law School, complemented by multiple honorary Doctor of Laws recognitions and a Companion of the Order of Canada honor.

Willard Estey was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to James Wilfred Estey, a puisne justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and Muriel Baldwin. This familial connection to the judiciary likely influenced his distinguished legal career.

John H. Estey is a former attorney notable for his influential roles in Pennsylvania politics and administration. He served as chief of staff to Governor Ed Rendell from 2003 to 2007 and held key positions such as interim president of the Milton Hershey School and executive vice president at Hershey Trust Company. Estey also chaired the boards of the Delaware River Port Authority and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. His political influence was recognized on lists like the "PA Report 100" and PoliticsPA's "Power 50." However, his career faced a downturn when he pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2016, leading to his disbarment in 2017.

James Wilfred Estey, also known as Bill Estey, was a distinguished Canadian lawyer, politician, and jurist born on December 1, 1889, in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. A Harvard Law graduate and a respected figure in the legal community, Estey founded the enduring law firm, Estey, Moxon, Schmitt & McDonald, now Robertson Stromberg LLP. His career highlights include serving as a Crown Prosecutor, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, and the province's Minister of Education and Attorney General. In 1944, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, where he served until his death in 1956. Estey was noted for his contributions to Canadian law and his role as a Supreme Court Justice.

James Wilfred Estey was the son of Byron Leslie Estey and Sarah Ann Kee. Born into a family with roots in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, his family background laid the foundation for his achievements in law and politics. His legacy continued through his son, Willard Estey, who also served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Canada.

Audrée Phipps Estey, affectionately known as "New Jersey's First Lady of Dance," made significant contributions to the world of American dance. Born on January 7, 1910, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Estey founded the Princeton Ballet Society in 1954 and the American Repertory Ballet in 1963. Her pioneering efforts in the dance community have left a lasting legacy, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the arts. Estey's dedication to dance and her influential roles in establishing these institutions highlight her as a key figure in American ballet history.

Audrée Estey was married and had a son, Lawrence M. Estey, and a daughter, Carol Estey, who are part of her family legacy. She passed away on June 6, 2002, in Deer Isle, Maine.