Ronald Karl McKinley

Ronald Karl McKinley, age 102, of Bedford, Nova Scotia, passed away on July 20, 2026. Born on January 1, 1924 in Lower Onslow, Nova Scotia, Ron was the son of the late Karl M. McKinley and Bessie Roberts.

At age 19, Ron enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War until his discharge in 1946. Ron was very proud of his association with the RCAF and was one of the founding members of the 102 Colchester Wing of the RCAF Association.

Following his service in the military, Ron worked in Truro for the Singer Sewing Company for 13 years before making a career change by becoming a financial planner and life underwriter with Prudential of England, and later as an independent agent until his retirement at age 95.

In 1973 Ron married second wife, Mona Bradley (nee Forrest). Ron and Mona were an inseparable pair for 49 years until her passing in 2022.

Ron was especially proud of and blessed with exceptionally good health and mobility through his 102 years, requiring only modest assisted living supports until recently.

Besides his parents, first wife and mother of their children, Geneva (nee Millard), and an infant brother, Ron was predeceased by wife, Mona, daughters Karen McKinley and Susan Gay, son Randy McKinley, and stepson Michael Bradley.

Ron is survived by stepdaughter Debra Horwich (Jim), Bedford; son Danny, (Truro); son-in-law Mike Gay (Bedford); many grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

At Ron’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. A private gravesite memorial is being arranged for a later date for close friends and family.

We would like to say a very special thank you to Dr. Ed Kinley and staff at Park West Medical Clinic for their many years of wonderful care, compassion, and support of Ron, and to everyone at Parkland Clayton Park, both Bradford Hall and Drummond Hall, for their loving care and support during Ron’s final year.

In memory of Ron, donations may be made in support of the Cadet Program of any local RCAF.