Donald James McKinnon
June 10, 1943 - November 30, 2013
On November 30, Donald James McKinnon “Jim” died unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of 70. One would like to think he took the hand of his mother Ruth as nothing less would have convinced him to leave his beloved wife Mona and “Muffy” his four legged buddy. Jim was born in Vancouver BC, to Ruth and Don McKinnon, but moved to Lillooet where his dad was Station Manager. As a teenager he lived in Prince George where he met and married his first wife Cyneth (nee McBride). Together they had four children; David (Karri) McKinnon, Allen McKinnon, Terry (Rachel) McKinnon, and Sandy (Chris) Poelvoorde.
Like a fine wine it took Jim a long time to mature, although many will debate the definition of “maturity”. After his divorce he managed to somehow convince Mona to be his bride, then, miraculously managed to keep her by his side. A feat he often expressed amazement over and rarely spoke her name without the word “blessed” in the same sentence. Mona and her daughter Christina completed his world, making the last two decades of Jim’s life his greatest ever.
He welcomed 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren in that time and he adored them all.
Jim was “that person” who always struck up a conversation with total strangers, making new friends along the way. This was literally a lifesaver as in his travels he often relied on total strangers to rescue him from the varied and perplexing situations he would inevitably get himself into.
The only person to have stuck with Jim throughout his boisterous existence was his honoured best friend, William Thomas. Jim and Bill were childhood buddies and remained very close until Jim’s death. Jim treasured Bill’s friendship and it was the one firm constant in his life he could always depend one. Thank you so much Bill.
Jim will be missed by siblings Alex McKinnon, and Sue (Clint) McNeill and more family and friends than any one person has a right to. You can bet Dad is trying to convince Elvis to go fly fishing as we speak and updating God on the latest Newfie joke from his enormous collection. Services will be arranged at a later date.
“And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and ev’ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way “ - Paul Anka