Joseph McKinnon
1939-2019
Joseph McKinnon
Whitney Pier
It is with complete disbelief and broken hearts that we
announce the sudden passing of our father, grandfather and
great-grandfather, Joseph Ignatius McKinnon on Sunday, March 10, 2019,
at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, in his 80th
year.
Born to the late Roderick and Margie (Bennett) McKinnon on
January 9, 1939, Joe attended Holy Redeemer Boys School, Don Bosco
Junior High School and completed his formal education at Sydney
Academy. At age 19, he married the love of his life, Mary Alice
“Posey” Smith and started their family. In 1962, they found
it necessary to move to Toronto to obtain work and flourished there
until, in 1974, the draw of Cape Breton could no longer be resisted
and they returned home while opening up Superior Rustproofing and Car
Care in Sydney, which they operated for many years. Joe dabbled in
various business ventures over the years, including an Auto Body Shop,
Heritage House Bed and Breakfast in Baddeck and Four Winds Folkart
Gallery in Lake O Law, Margaree. Joe was also known as “Josef the
Carver” and his unique creations can be found at the Cape Breton
Centre for Craft and Design, as well as in homes worldwide. He has
been the Featured Artist at the Pierscape Art Gallery, was a repeat
attendee at the Lunenburg Art Festival, and “resident
artist” at the Normaway Inn in Margaree. He also played with
writing, story telling and poetry and could recite numerous ballads,
including those of Robbie Burns. Joe was active in the Cape Breton
Beagle Club, Airway Beagle Club, was a founding member of the Highland
Rod and Gun Club and first Camp Director of the Highland Conservation
School. He was a noted Irish Tenor and on three occasions opened and
was Master of Ceremonies of the Annual Irish Concert in Sydney. He was
always eager to pass on his carving knowledge and he elated in being
invited to hold workshops at various places, especially the schools.
It should also be noted his faith in the Catholic Religion, although
tested many times over the years, remained strong until the end. He
will be missed by many whom he mentored over the years.
Left to celebrate his life and exalt in his legacy are his
children, Heather (Ross) Digou, Sydney, Brian (Sheila) McKinnon, Alder
Point, Diane (Derrick) Erickson, Sydney and adopted daughter, Meg
Herman; his cherished grandchildren, Justin (Krista) and Ryan (Sam)
Digou, Morgan (Cole), Liam (Avery) and Lauchlan McKinnon, Brittany
(Stephen) and Skylar (Stephanie) Erickson; his loved
great-grandchildren, Jayce and Logan Cloake (Amy Cloake), Lucas Digou
(Brenda Lamson), and Nathan Erickson; his brother, Gerard
(Annie)MacKinnon, Sydney, and Fred “Bud” MacKenzie, New
Brunswick; his sister-in-law, Faye (Floyd) Birmingham, Kitchener,
Ontario and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his
trusted companion, his dog, Buddy.
Besides his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his loving
wife of 56 years, Mary Alice “Posey” (Smith) McKinnon;
sister, Lorna (MacKenzie) Doucette and brother-in-law, John Doucette;
a brother in infancy; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Ellen
(Burke) Smith; sister-in-law, Helen “Bunty” (Smith) (Beaton)
Chartier and brother-in-law, Johnny Beaton.
A special thank you to the VON, CHSS Homecare, Kelly Daley,
the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, and the Cape Breton
Regional Hospital Emergency Department Staff for their exceptional
care and support. A sincere thank you to Father Burke for performing
the Last Rights, it was very important to him.
Visitation will be held in Sydney Memorial Chapel on
Wednesday, March 13 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, March 14 from 2-4 and
7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will take place in Holy Redeemer Church on
Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Paul Murphy officiating.
Interment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Cape Breton Regional
Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Care
Fund.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at
www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or
e-mail
sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Click here to View Condolences
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph McKinnon 19392019..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia