Donald MacGregor MacKinnon
August 23, 1936 – November 01, 2020
MacKinnon, Donald Macgregor-Dartmouth
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald MacKinnon on November 1, 2020 at the Halifax Infirmary. Born in 1936 in Halifax, Don grew up on Chestnut Street, graduating from St. Mary’s High School and Saint Mary’s University.
Nancy and Don met on the baseball field in Burnside where both families had summer cottages. She kept the score, and the rest is history. They started their family with Bruce in Brockville and quickly returned to their East Coast roots. They settled in Dartmouth on Pinehill Road and expanded their family with Cathy and Scott. They made an amazing loving home for their ever-grateful children. We enjoyed many memorable family vacations, but none so loved as the family cottage in East Uniacke.
One of his passions outside of work was golf. He was a longtime member of Brightwood Golf and Country Club in Dartmouth and later Dunedin C.C. in Florida developing many strong friendships over the years. He enjoyed his annual trips to hi condo in Dunedin to vacation with his family and friends, play many rounds of golf and watch preseason baseball. Another passion of his was to be with his grandchildren; when not in the office or on the golf course he was at a rink, ball field, or on a lunch date spending time with his grandchildren. Don was a selfless, caring kind soul. He always put family first and was quick to help whenever he possibly could.
Don started his professional career as an accountant for Dupont in Brockville, ON. He moved back to Dartmouth in 1961 to start his career in the coatings industry. He first started with Parker Brother’s as an office manager and worked his way up to President and part owner. In 1985, chasing his entrepreneurial spirit, he co-founded MacKinnon & Olding Ltd. with his partner David Olding initially as a marine coatings service provider, specializing in the defense sector and eventually adding flooring, scaffolding and insulation services. He remained active in the company until his death and from humble beginnings saw it grow exponentially, including a partnership in 2017 with Crosbie Group of Companies out of St. John’s. Don was beloved by all his employees and his door was always open to talk and provide counsel and wisdom. He always put the companies’ needs first and was always there to add support and guidance through any problems.
He is survived by his loving children, Cathy (Paul) Stittsville, ON; Scott (Beth), Mineville; his sister Heather (Jim), Denver, CO; his brother Alexander (Sandy), Yarmouth, NS; his grandchildren Madeline, Halifax; Leah & Mark MacIsaac, Stittsville, ON; Jake and Molly MacKinnon, Mineville; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents John and Ida, wife Nancy (nee O’Brien), son Donald Bruce, brother John (Jack), and Aunt Grace.
Visitation:
Friday November 6 3:00-5:00 pm and 7:00 –9:00 pm on Dartmouth Funeral Home 29 Queen St Dartmouth
Funeral mass Saturday November 7, 2020- 1:00 pm St. Peters Roman Catholic Church Dartmouth, 10 Maple Street, Dartmouth, Rev. Rob Elford, celebrant . Online condolences by visiting www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
SERVICES
Visitation
Friday, November 06, 2020
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Dartmouth Funeral Home
29 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 1E9
Visitation
Friday, November 06, 2020
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dartmouth Funeral Home
29 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 1E9
Funeral Mass
Saturday, November 07, 2020
1:00 PM
St. Peters Roman Catholic Church
10 Maple Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 2X3
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald MacGregor MacKinnon August 23 1936 November 01 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia