Neil Bernard McKinnon
Lieu de naissance : Cambridge, Canada
Lieu de décès : North Sydney, Canada
Date de décès : 30 novembre 2013
It is with heavy hearts that we, the McKinnon family, announce the sudden passing of a loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, Neil Bernard McKinnon, CD 1, 43, on Friday, Nov. 30, 2013, at his home.
Neil was born in Cambridge, Ont., the son of Raylene (Burton) McKinnon and the late Neil B. McKinnon.
Neil served for the Department of National Defense, Canadian Armed Forces, as a Firefighter. He graduated from the Canadian Recruit School, CFB Cornwallis with honorable mention for Skill at Arms. He was stationed in CFB Greenwood for many years. Early in his career, Neil was a member of the Department of National Defense, Reserve Unit, Cape Breton Highlanders as an Infanteer. Upon transitioning from an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces to a veteran, Neil’s desire to continue to serve his community compelled him to offer his services to the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department. His passion for serving and protecting was a reflection of his career choice and lifestyle.
His courageous personality formed the basis of his life and his dedication to his family was steadfast. In his earlier years, Neil was a member of the 21st. Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Army Cadet Corps, located in Cambridge, Ont. Sharing a love of hockey with his father, Neil played for the Tillsonburg Ontario Minor Hockey Association, AAA league.
Neil is survived by his son Nathen McKinnon, and daughter Amber McKinnon, his mother Raylene (Burton) McKinnon, his sister Catherine McKinnon, his niece Kaitland McKinnon and nephew Christopher Power and many aunts and uncles.
Neil was predeceased by his father Neil Bernard McKinnon, his paternal and maternal grandparents and his cousin Robert Millard.
Visitation for Neil will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, P.O. Box 481, Dartmouth Main, Dartmouth, N.S., B2Y 3Y8, phone 902-835-0166.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
A Firefighter’s Pledge
I promise concern for others.
A willingness to help all those in need.
Promise courage — courage to face and conquer my fears.
Courage to share and endure the ordeal of those who need me.
I promise strength — strength of heart to bear
whatever burdens might be placed upon me.
Strength of body to deliver to safety
All those placed within my care.
I promise the wisdom to lead,
the compassion to comfort,
and the love to serve unselfishly
whenever I am called.
