Donald 'Donnie' MacKinnon

Donald 'Donnie' MacKinnon was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Dad will be remembered as a very exceptional person, showing kindness in many ways to many people. He loved to have a laugh and to joke around.

      Born August 11, 1947 at Sydney City Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Donnie grew up in Whitney pier, the son of John and Mary MacKinnon. He was raised with 9 siblings. Three older brothers, Rannie, John and Raymond, four younger brothers, Michael, Ambrose, Joe and Albert and two younger sisters, Mary and Agnes. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. He spent many of his childhood summers in Grand Mira North with his maternal grandparents.

At 14, he was already at work and bought his first car. He told stories of his 'hitchhiking' trips to Halifax with friends to the NSCC to attend school to get his plumbing trade. He was determined and when he set his mind to something, he saw it through. He worked at Rudderham's in the pier in his very early years and then in 1983 co-founded and was President of Transit Plumbing and heating Ltd. Donnie enjoyed what he did for a living.

      On February 15, 1969, a beautiful sunny winter day, he exchanged wedding vows with Sharon Ann MacDonald at Holy Redeemer Parish in Sydney, Nova Scotia. From that day they began their journey together in building what would be a wonderlife life, blessed with children and grandchildren - one son Greg, and two daughters, Janet and Tammy and four grandchildren, Bhreagh, Tyler, Kaitlyn and Evan. Dad had nicknames for his grandchildren - Princess, Rocky I, Bubba, and Rocky II. He loved to play and carry on with his grandchildren, as he did with his children when they were growing up, and they loved it too.

Donnie loved to sing, and to swim in the ocean. Happy or sad, there was always music at our house. When we were young, he made pancakes from scratch every Sunday. He enjoyed and never missed Greg's hockey games.. a tradition that continued with grandson Tyler.

Donnie was what you would call a natural leader; someone from whom his family would often seek advice. He would make you feel better if you were dealing with a difficult situation and brought needed levity. He and Sharon both would be sought out by family for support. Donnie was very kind and generous to all, but especially to his family. He was a good father to Greg, Janet and Tammy, providing support and advice, and doing anything he could to fulfill their needs and wishes.    

      Dad worked hard over the years to provide for the family, and mom worked hard alongside him. They both loved to travel and take time away from their busy work lives. Together with Sharon, Donnie visited new places and experienced new things. Favorite vacations included cruises to the Caribean, Mediterannian, Alaska and trips to Florida. They surprised the family one year with the announcement they bought a home in Florida! Dad enjoyed spending time in Grand Mira as well and the whole family spent many, many summers there.       .

      Simply stated, Donnie was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Donnie leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Donald 'Donnie' MacKinnon; father, grandfather and loving husband.

* * * * * * * * * *

Donnie MacKinnon

67 – Sydney River

With deep sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of Donald Gregory MacKinnon, of Sydney River, who passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

Born August 11, 1947 in Sydney, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Gillis) MacKinnon of Whitney Pier. He spent his career in plumbing and pipefitting, cofounding and being President of Transit Plumbing and Heating Ltd, since 1983.

He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 682 and an associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 128.

Donnie enjoyed spending time with all of his family, at many celebrations, events and gatherings. He liked to golf and in his younger years play baseball. He loved to travel, enjoying going on cruises with his wife, spending time in Grand Mira and more recently at his home in Florida. He loved to include the whole family in the travel plans and they enjoyed the many trips away together. He worked tirelessly throughout his lifetime, showing kindness and thoughtfulness in many ways to many people.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sharon (MacDonald), son Greg, Sydney; daughter’s Janet (Jim MacGregor), Port Hawkesbury; Tammy (Julia Hanks), Toronto; grandchildren Bhreagh, Tyler, Kaitlyn and the newest addition to our family, Evan. “Papa” cherished his time with his grandchildren and his love for them will always be a part of their lives. He is also survived by sisters Mary (Pat) Larade, Sydney; Agnes (Paul) Grundy, Halifax; brothers Michael (Ellie), St. Catherine’s; Ambrose, Sydney; Albert (Martina), Sydney; sisters-in-law, Lorna MacKinnon, Toronto; Chris (Joe) Larade, Sydney; brother-in-law Clyde (Connie) MacDonald, Ormoncto, his aunts Ellen Bates and Mary Morley and uncle Fr. John MacKinnon and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Rannie, Raymond, John and Joe, and sisters-in-law, Sandra McInnis and Linda MacKinnon.

Visitation for the late Mr. MacKinnon will be held on Friday (today) from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Rev. Duaine Devereaux officiating.

Donations in Donnie’s memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com