It is with both gratitude for his life and with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and adored father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and uncle, Michael Andrew MacKinnon. Surrounded by love and family at The Cape Breton Regional Hospital, on Sunday, June 6th, just five days shy of his 84th birthday, Michael went home to God.
Michael was born on June 11, 1937, at his home on the Meadows Road. He was the son of Neil P. and Elizabeth (Fraser) MacKinnon. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sydney River. Michael was a dedicated and hard worker all of his life. He retired from the Sydney Steel Plant in 1997, after 34 years of service.
Everyone who knew Michael thought the world of him; he was described as sweet, gentle, giving, kind and very special. All of his family and friends can attest to this. He loved the little things, like picking blueberries, watching the birds, going for drives to visit family, cutting wood "Out the Meadows". He loved a good tune, enjoying the company of others and being with Cecilia and his girls.
Michael exemplified kindness and was generous with his time; he would do anything to help anyone, and he modelled this so well for his family. Overall, he was a quiet man and spoke when he had something insightful to say. He was known for his wit, his great sense of humour and the way he could make everyone feel so special. He had a gift for sincerity and captured many hearts. That same heart finally gave out after suffering a second heart attack. If our love for him could have saved him, he would have lived forever.
Michael is survived by the love of his life, Cecilia (Mulvihill) and his two daughters who placed their Dad on the highest pedestal; Kelley Thomas (Murray) St. Theresa Point, Manitoba and Michelle Finigan (Mike), Sydney River. Papa was loved so much by his namesake and grandson, Andrew Thomas (Melanie Magliaro) who he was immensely proud of. Although Andrew was his number one, Michael was gifted with the opportunity to be a grandfather to 17 international high school students. He has touched the hearts of many throughout the world by this experience and had a special relationship with his international extended family. He will be greatly missed by all the boys, especially Shinji Yamamoto. Michael was so happy to be part of the lives of Ashley & Brandon Shaw and Jacob & Kent Wolodka.
Michael is survived by his three siblings; Mary T. MacKinnon, Theresa Gillis, and Bernie MacKinnon (all of Sydney), and sister-in-law, Marguerite MacKinnon (Sydney Forks) who will miss him dearly, his nieces and nephews who will remember their special Uncle Michael forever, and his brothers and sisters in-laws, the Mulvihill family; Paul (Evie), Franklin, MA, John (Jeanette), Whylie (Jeannie), Gladys (Lyle MacMullin) all of Sydney, Margaret (Cotter Oliver) Reserve and Barbara (John Berger) Brockville, ON, who thought there was no one like him, and they were all right! He is also survived by his Godchildren; Edward MacKinnon, Calgary, AB, John Mulvihill, Mira and Amber Bartlett, Barrie, ON, who he loved. Michael had many special friends who he loved and who loved and treasured him, a true indication of a life well lived.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Peggy and Minnie, his brothers John, Neil and Malcolm (his twin brother), three sisters in infancy, his sister-in-law Marguerite Emily MacKinnon, his brothers-in-laws Rannie Gillis (Sydney) and Pat Flaherty (Braintree, MA), his nephew Leonard MacKinnon and his Mother and Father-in-law, John T. and Mary Mulvihill.
A funeral Mass of Christian burial will take place with the easing of restrictions and will be announced at that time. Donations may be made in memory of Michael, if desired, to St.Vincent de Paul, or by doing a kind gesture for another. Arrangements are entrusted to T.W. Curry. Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting twcurry.com
We were abundantly blessed by our Father and will have him in our hearts forever. Even though he was small in stature, he was a giant in our lives. Thanks for being such a great guy, Dad! Mom, heaven will finally have a guy who owns a left handed hammer! Until we meet again, rest in peace.
