Morris Neil MacKinnon

He chose not to have a service, but a celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022.

Neil was born March 26, 1936 in Driftpile, Alberta to Mary ‘Violetta’ (nee Pettyjohn) and Hector Douglas (Doug) MacKinnon. Following their early passing, he was raised by his maternal grandparents Sarah and Moses Pettyjohn on a farm in Merryflat/Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.

Neil ‘Dad, Pops, Papa’ is survived by his 7 children, Anthony “Tony” MacKinnon, Larry MacKinnon, Lorinda MacKinnon (Lyle Zaksauskas), Thomas “Tom” MacKinnon, Laurie Stanners (Duncan Stanners), Jeffery “Jeff” MacKinnon and Angela MacKinnon; his 8 grandchildren Jonathan Barrett, Robert Barrett, Sheena Barrett, Sawyer Reykdal (nee Barrett) (Cody Reykdal), Jeremy MacKinnon (Kaitlyn ‘KJ’ MacKinnon), Justina Beauchesne (nee MacKinnon) (Ryan Beauchesne), Jevon MacKinnon and Cassandra MacKinnon; 16 great-grandchildren. As well as his first wife Christina (Chris) Harris, brother Lionel MacKinnon, sisters Grace Flanders (nee MacKinnon) and Glady Thormoset (nee MacKinnon) plus numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Neil was predeceased by his parents Violetta and Doug MacKinnon, grandparents Sarah and Moses Pettyjohn, his wife Nancy MacKinnon, brothers Joe, Don, John, and sisters Jean, Vera, and Beth.

Neil was a master student of life and there was very little he couldn’t do as evidenced by his amazing life. He loved to learn and being raised on a farm instilled a strong work ethic, desire to help others and his love of animals. His passions were plentiful and included sports, scuba diving, travelling, camping, mechanics, photography, gardening, baking, cooking, stonemasonry, animals, and his family.

He had an entrepreneur heart and loved learning how everything worked which led to studying and training to become a Heavy-Duty Mechanic. After a couple stints in the Arctic fixing/installing equipment, he became a truck driver for a few years and soon bought his own truck. He wanted to get back into mechanics so he hired a driver for his truck and got hired on with Thompson Diesel. He then bought a company called Clearview Installation where their CalAlta Electronics division started making boats and where he proudly built a 13-passenger hovercraft that was showcased in the 1974 Stampede parade. But it was back to mechanics and running shops for the rest of his career at; CNL Transport, Rausch, Airvac Brake, Fort Garry Industries, Southport Services and Traction and finally Superior Power Products where he retired in 2011.

It was his family and friendships that he was most proud of. He never met a stranger and was always quick to lend a hand or share a smile, story, or joke. He was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge, a Scout leader, a bowling, hockey, baseball, and ringette coach where he positively impacted thousands of lives. In his later years he enjoyed playing evening games of dice or crib and his strolls at River Park dog park where he was known as ‘Big Neil’ and where he loved meeting everyone and always had a treat for every dog. Throughout it all watching his family grow to be respectful, hardworking, giving and loving people meant everything to him. All who knew him loved him dearly and will never forget his wit, charm, tenacity, strength and undying love, support and caring for them.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Neil’s memory directly to the

Calgary Humane Society or the Alberta S.P.C.A.