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William 'Archie' McKinnon

William 'Archie' McKinnon

Born In: North Sydney
Born: September 30th, 1919

Passed on: March 10th, 2013

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father, William Archibald ‘Archie’ McKinnon. Dad passed away at home on March 10, 2013, with his loving family by his side. He has gone home to be with mom.
Archie was born in North Sydney on Sept. 30, 1919, and at three years of age, he moved with his family to Alder Point, where he remained until his passing.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s parish, Bras d’Or, where he could be seen each Sunday morning celebrating his strong faith.
He was amongst the youngest children of John Lauchlan and Ella Mae (Edwards) McKinnon.
Dad is survived by his four children, Cathy (Anthony) Laffin, J.D. (Alexis), Patricia (Bryce) Swan and Ella Mae (Gary) Voutier, all of Alder Point. Warmly known as “Poppy”, he will be dearly missed by his seven grandchildren, Heather (D.A.) March, Halifax, Tony Laffin, Montreal, Laura (Adam) Power, Anne Marie Swan (Ryan Hawboldt), Bryce Swan, Kimberly Swan, Alder Point, and Greg MacKinnon (Bonnie Jeanne Devoe), Fort McMurray; and his two great-grandchildren, Cate and Avery Power. Also surviving are his sister, Cecilia (Edmund) Goora, San Diego, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Dad will be missed by family friends, Derek, Lawrence and Kevin Devoe, whom he always considered as part of his family.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Nora, 13 days earlier, his daughter in infancy, his brothers, Dan, Albert, Russell, Collie, Douglas, Murray, James, Joseph, Bart, Ralph, John and Gilbert and his sisters, Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Anastasia and Marguerite.
As a child, dad worked on the family farm and continued with this passion into adulthood. In the early days he would often deliver milk to peoples’ homes. Because of a strong desire to work outdoors and as a dairy farmer, dad grew a small family farm into Riverside Farms, which he operated with his son J.D. for many years. Dad always maintained strong ties with the farm. When he was unable to go to the barn, his favourite question was, “Is everything all right in the barn?”
Although the farm work required his attention 24/7, his commitment towards his children and grandchildren was always evident. In the winter we would spend time playing with our friends in the barn and in the summer we would be in the hayfield with him. Many neighbourhood children rode on the tractors or in the back of the baler with dad. He was 87 years old when he stopped going to the hayfield, but he would still drive the truck to the barn to feel part of it.
Dad enjoyed winning a game of crib and a feed of lobster with his family. Dad was a kind and gentle man. He was always interested in a strong community and helped whenever he could. He was one of the initial members of the local co-op movement and the Farmer’s Co-operative, and belonged to the N.S Federation of Agriculture.
He was also supportive of children’s education and learning. The local elementary school arranged many field trips to the barn to learn first-hand about farming.
Dad was also known to be a bit of a prankster. When friends would spend the night it was not uncommon for them to find their toes tied together or shoes hidden. Dad was an integral part of our lives. Never a day went by that we did not experience the deep love he had for us. We were always guaranteed a daily phone call or a visit to our homes. This love was also spread to his grandchildren. He attended functions when he was able, but when unable, we always stopped first to visit “Poppy” to tell him how the “kids did.” He would always have words of praise for them and told them how proud he was of them.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Bras d’Or, with Fr. Peter MacLeod officiating.
Donations may be made to the Red Cross bed program, Upper Prince Street, Sydney, or to a charity of choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.


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John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
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