Frederick Raymond “Fred” MacKinnon, 89, Debert, passed away peacefully, following a short illness, on Sunday afternoon, February 2, 2014, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.
Born January 1, 1925, in Selkirk, Prince Edward Island, he was a son of the late Allan and Minnie (Burke) MacKinnon.
Fred was a long-time member of Debert United Church where he served as an elder and was part of the Men’s Club. In earlier years, he farmed in Souris, Prince Edward Island, and then served on a Merchant Marine ship for a number of years. Following this, he settled in Debert and worked as a commissionaire at Camp Debert until his retirement in 1990. He had a great passion for horses and woodworking and many will forever treasure the furniture, clocks and other things he made over the years and gave away.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Laura (Robinson) MacKinnon, Debert Court; children, Raymond (Myrna), Grand Valley, Ontario; Wayne (Jean), Morell, Prince Edward Island; Douglas, Victoria, British Columbia; Madonna MacKinnon, Thorburn; grandchildren: Roderick (Alexis), Jodi (Chris), Doug (Andrea), Mike (Raiji) Angie, Courtney (Tyler), Candice, Stephen, Patrick, Holly, Natasha, Shannon (Shaun); seven great grandchildren; sisters, Eileen MacPhee, East Chezzetcook; Eleanor Johnston, Thunder Bay; brothers, Allan (Mabel), Warren, St. Charles, Prince Edward Island; sister-in-law, Marg MacKinnon, Morell, Prince Edward Island; several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Mary “Betty” (Phillips); sister, Bernice Stark; brothers: Reginald, Francis, Lloyd, Harold.
Special thanks are extended to Barb Fields, VON nurse, and to the entire Palliative Care Team at Colchester East Hants Health Centre for your wonderful care as well as Fred and Jean Barnhill.
Fred’s family will receive friends from 2-4, 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2014, funeral service 2 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2014, all in Debert United Church, 1237 Plains Road, Debert, Carol Gillard, M.Div. officiating. Reception will follow in the church hall. Spring interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 125 Robie Street, Truro.
Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Fred’s memory to Debert United Church, Palliative Care Unit (CEHHC) or VON are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Fred’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com