Joseph MacKinnon
Born In: Glace Bay
It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and brother. Joseph Anthony MacKinnon passed away on Jan. 30, 2013, in the loving arms of his wife and daughters.
Born in Glace Bay, C.B., he was the elder son of Joe “the barber” and Mary MacKinnon. Joe was a genuine “Bay Bye”. Growing up in the Bay provided him with lots of ice time, to pursue his passion; hockey. Whether it was “up the bog” or “sugarbowl” ice was available. His career started with common school teams, then on to the Xavier College and ended at age 65, with the Dartmouth Crawlers, where he would brag, that no one could stop him for the first 30 seconds on the ice.
After graduations from St. FX and The Maritime School of Social Work, Joe had a very rewarding career with the Department of Community Services. He retired as director of field services & personnel, in 1994 with 35 years of service. During his tenure, Joe worked for and with many people he cared for and respected. Although his work took him all over the province, never was he happier than when he brought someone home to the Bay and for one of Mom’s home cooked meals.
Cape Breton was very important to Joe and Linda. They made several trips a year from their home in Chester. Visits with family and friends were a priority as was visiting familiar places like Ingonish and the Keltic Lodge.
As much as Joe loved hockey and his career, his girls, Ramona & Karen, meant the world to him. He was always a loving and devoted father who was deeply cherished.
Joe is survived by his wife, Linda and daughters, Ramona (Tim) Thorne and Karen MacKinnon. Along with sisters, Mary Alice (Jim) Dwyer and Connie (Wayne) Fletcher and brother, Bernie (Simone) MacKinnon. A very special uncle to nieces, Donna, Cindy and Jenna; nephews, Mike, Pat, Wayne and Michael.
Joe was always willing to lend an ear or hand whenever needed. This extended family included Linda’s children, Shannon and Cindy and grandchildren, Lindsay, Andrew and Leah.
Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by an infant son.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas More Parish, 15 Caledonia Road on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at 11 a.m., Fr. Randy Doucette will be the celebrant with interment to follow at Dartmouth Memorial Gardens.
Following interment, a reception will take place in the Atlantic Funeral Home reception lounge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VON, Lunenburg District, or South Shore Health Palliative Care.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com, Dartmouth Chapel.
The family would like to express their thanks to the Palliative Care team and the VON nurses for their care and support offered to all of us during this difficult time.
