Colin Neil MacKinnon

With deep sadness, Colin Mackinnon, 73, of North Vancouver passed away May 12, 2026 at VGH surrounded by family. He was born November 1952 in Nanaimo, B.C to Dixon and Gloria MacKinnon. He was predeceased by his parents Dixon and Gloria, and by his sister Jane and brother Dixon MacKinnon. He leaves behind his wife Eileen MacKinnon and the large MacKinnon Clan. Including his sister Merilee (George) and children Joanne (Thomas), Neil (Austyn), Stacey and Brett (Meghan), as well as his grandchildren who he was known as "PAPA", or "Papa monster": Devon, Zach, Owen, Aylin, Nash, Riley, Jake and Avery.

Colin was vibrant and full of life. He loved to make others laugh and have a great time. From playing hockey to building tree houses he always had a youthful spirit that people gravitated to.

In 1974, he completed his Bachelor of Science, and in 1977 he completed his Masters of Science from UBC while working and doing research at West Vancouver Lab. He worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada for 32 years working thoughout BC and Ottawa. During those years, he had many accomplishments, friends and fisheries hockey games.

In 1982, he became a father, and within the next 5 years he and Eileen had four kids. He was very involved with coaching Forest Hills Little league and North Vancouver Minor Hockey for many years.

He retired at 55 and became a "professional skier" as he liked to tell everybody. He would spend almost every week day in the Winter Skiing up Grouse Mountain or Whistler. In the summers and throughout the year, he spent a lot of time in Powell River aka Powell Riviera. Where he would walk the sand bars, ride his bike, kayak and enjoy the grandkids playing on the raft he made. Loved enjoying a Pina Colada in the sun at his scheduled 4pm happy hour. Colin taught himself how to fix and renovate around his the house and help anybody that needed it. Eleven years ago he became a Papa. He enjoyed this very much. Kids would climb on him, play with him and he would run around the house chasing them being the Papa monster. Many hours were spent on the side lines watching their soccer, hockey and baseball games.

Colin was very funny and loved to tease and joke around with everyone he met. He loved his friends and his large Mackinnon/MacDonald/Smith/Langley family, and will be dearly missed.