Well-known Saint John dentist, partner found dead after travelling to Alberta

A well-known Saint John, N.B., couplewho were visiting Alberta are dead.

Dentist Cindy McCormick was attending a dental conventionin Lake Louise.

Herromantic partner,Robert (Bobby)Kaine, a firefighter and hockey player, also went to Alberta to visit his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

No details about the circumstances of the twodeaths have been released, and police have not linked them to the discovery of two bodies out west on Sunday.

RCMPin Lake Louise said they are investigating a homicideafter a woman was found dead in her hotel room on Sunday afternoon,but the identity of the woman has not been confirmed.

Investigators from the major crimes unit have collected sufficient evidence to determine the woman's death is related to the death of a 52-year-old New Brunswick man whose body was found in a vehicle west of Lake Louise on the same day, Cpl. Curtis Peters said in a statement Tuesday night.

• RCMP investigating after woman found dead in Chateau Lake Louise

The identity of the man, whose death has beenclassified as "non-criminal in nature," has not been released.

"No additional suspects are being sought by police in relation to these deaths," said Peters.

The woman's body was discoveredat Fairmont ChateauLake Louise, where the dental convention was being held,at around 2:40 p.m. after the police were called to check on the welfare of the occupant of the room.

An autopsy was completed on Tuesday and the medical examiner has determined the manner of death was homicide, said Peters.

The man's body was found on Sundayin a vehicleon Emerald Lake Road, about 20 minutes west of Lake Louise.

"No further details are available at this time," said Peters.

Bayside Dental Clinic, where McCormick was the sole director, was closed on Tuesday.

Staff confirmed the east Saint John office was closed because of her death.

The Saint John fire union posted about the veteran firefighter's death on Facebook on Monday.

We are shocked and saddened by the news of their deaths.- Kevin Clifford, Saint John fire chief

Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford declined to discuss any details on Tuesday.

"The Saint John fire department at this time, would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Cindy McCormick family and the Bob Kaine family, friends and co-workers," Clifford said in an emailed statement.

"We are shocked and saddened by the news of their deaths."

'Full of life'

The New Brunswick Dental Society issaddened by the loss of McCormick, president Bob Hatheway said in an emailed statement to CBC News.

"Dr. McCormick was full of life, and very engaged in dentistryat the regional, provincial and national levels," he said.

She practised in Saint John for more than 15 years, and Hatheway served on the society's board of directors with her from 2011 to 2016.

"On behalf of dentists in New Brunswick I would like to express our sincere condolences to her dental team, patients and her family," he said. "She will be missed."

Numerous patients and colleagues posted tributes on the dental society's Facebookpage.

"So so sorry," wrote Rosanne Craig Best. "I have been a patient for a few years now and always enjoyed talking to her."

Linda Jarvis-Duguay, whose family has attended the clinic for more than eight years, expressed condolences for McCormick'sfamily and co-workers.

"She was amazing with our grandsons who have autism," wrote Jarvis-Duguay.

McCormick was "a great person to work with and brought a bright enthusiasm to all she did," wrote Kelly Keyes Manning.

Lana Murphy described McCormick as "beautiful inside and out."

"Lovely lady," wrote Jan MacMullin Cowper.

'Gentle giant'

TheInternational Association of Fire FightersLocal 771 Saint John Firefighters Association offered its "thoughts and prayers" to Kaine's family, friends and fellow firefighters in a Facebook post.

"It is with great sadness and deepest regret that the #SJFF'sannounce the passing of our Brother Robert "Bobby" Kaine," the post stated.

Kaine joined the Saint John Fire Department in 1988, according to the union. After becoming a senior firefighter, Kaine became a fire prevention officer.

"I remember looking up to you as a junior firefighter and respected you like no other," Adam Constantine posted onFacebook.

"There wasn't a soul like you brother, you had all the greatest of qualities," Constantine wrote. "You will forever be missed and have left a hole that no one can truly fill.

Donnie Winchester describedKaineas a "gentle giant."

"One of the nicest men you'd ever meet," Winchester wrote on Facebook.

Kainewas also well-known in local hockey circles. He played forward for the Saint John Vito's in 1992 when they won the Allan Cup. In later years, he coached hockey, including serving as assistant coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs in 2009.

"I am at a complete loss," Tim Lanteigne posted on Facebook. "To one of the most talented, all around athletes, best right winger, and big hearted people I have ever met."

Dan Maillet said he played against Kainemany years ago and "always thought highly of him."

"A competitor but always a class act," Mailletsaid in a Facebookpost.