John R. MacKinnon of Rock Elm, Cape Breton, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2019, at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre supported by family and exemplary professionals.
Born May 11, 1943, he was a proud husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. John R. devoted his gifts and time to varied volunteer pursuits from acting with the Mira Players (who can forget that grass skirt), to helping develop Mira Pines Summer Camp, to making deliveries as part of Bethel United Church’s cabbage roll dinners, as well as numerous community organizations such as, Marion Bridge Recreation and Children’s Soccer programs.
John never quite recovered from the loss of his beloved life partner, Vivian. He missed their many camping trips and adventures, as well as their love of working together at home in the gardens, maintaining a beautiful property and renovations. He remained strong for his girls and found joy through being present in the lives of his grandchildren, Morgan, Lauchlan and Alec and his grandniece Grace. They brought him immense joy, laughter and more than a few good stories.
John R’s working life saw him working away in Massachusetts, refineries in Ontario, home in the Heavy Water Plants in Cape Breton and finally, construction and manufacturing work from Grand Mira to Northern Cape Breton, after a stint on the seas fishing.
John R. was predeceased by his wife, Vivian (MacDonald); his granddaughter, Emily Cashin; his parents, Alice (MacLean) and Ranald MacKinnon; sister, Katie and husband, Lloyd MacLeod; sister-in-law, Henrietta (MacDonald) Doncaster and husband, Lloyd Doncaster; and brother-in-law, D’Auvergne MacDonald.
His memory will be carried on through his daughters, Vicki (Michael Cashin) of Lantz and Christa (Ron Muise) of Huntington; grandchildren, Morgan Cashin, Lauchlan Muise and Alec Muise; grandniece, Grace Fitzgerald; the MacLeods; nieces, Nancy, Halifax, Sandra, Ottawa and Patricia Fitzgerald (Patrick), Ottawa; nephew, Lloyd John, Sandfield; brothers-in-law, Gilbert MacDonald, Harvey MacDonald (Gail) of Harvey Station, N.B. and Keith MacDonald (Marlene) of Halifax; sister-in law, Marlene MacDonald, Sydney; and nieces, nephews and cousins. We will deeply miss his wit, humour, storytelling and company.
Visitation will take place at Bethel United Church, Marion Bridge on Friday, January 3 from 6-9 p.m. A celebration of John R.’s life will be held at Bethel United Church, Marion Bridge on Saturday, January 4 at 11a.m., with Nancy Whitney-Latham, DLM officiating.
Donations in John R’s memory can be made to the Vivian MacKinnon Scholarship, Marion Bridge Fire Department, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
2019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Ranald MacKinnon 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia