Michael McKinnon, PhD
Passed in: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Passed on: September 14th, 2012
With profound sadness, we the family, wish to announce the sudden passing of a devoted son and brother, Michael on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, in Kingston, Ont., at the age of 52. He passed away doing what he loved, playing golf in the company of great friends.
Michael was born in Glace Bay, and was the son of Elizabeth and the late Michael McKinnon.
In the early years Michael attended St. Anne’s School and Saint Michael Senior High. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1981 with his Bachelor of Science degree majoring in chemistry. In 1985 he graduated from the University of Guelph with a PhD in chemistry. He went on to get his Post Doctorate Fellow at Dalhousie University in 1987 working on research topics of solid state NMR. He has published multiple articles in scientific journals as well holding a patent in the recycle and recovery of Polyamide materials.
Michael began his career in 1987 working as a senior research scientist for Dupont Kingston. In 2000 he became central lab supervisor for Dupont Maitland and worked there until 2003 when he became senior associate chemist at Invista Canada. At the time of his death he was with Dupont Canada in Kingston.
Michael was an avid golfer. He would never turn down the chance to play the game. He was an amateur photographer. He always had the camera with him on his frequent golf trips and especially his trips home to Cape Breton. From golf trips to cards, he always had time for family and friends. He loved his niece and nephew. He would make special trips to see them and be “Uncle” Mike. Mike was blessed with great friends and coworkers who have helped so much in this time of sadness.
Michael is survived by his mother, Elizabeth; his sisters, Lillian, Glace Bay, Kathleen and Elizabeth (Dario) and his brother, Paul (Lori), all of Halifax. He is also survived by his niece, McKenzie and nephew, Logan. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Michael.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 20 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Curry’s Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, Sept. 21 at St. Anne’s Church at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Society.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com.
“A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.”
~ Author Unknown
