Kenneth John MacKinnon

In Loving Memory of
Kenneth John 
MacKinnon
age 93 
Lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, 
Judy (nee Johnson), daughter Nancy (Chris), 
daughter Kendra (Dwayne), son Curtis (Sue), 
grandchildren Celty, Sadie, Bo, Lexi, Calan, Chloe 
and his sister Ferne.

Died
September 22, 2022
With his family by his side, 
at his residence in Pilot Mound, MB.

Public Graveside Service 
Saturday, October 15, 2022
  Wood Bay Cemetery
Pilot Mound, Manitoba
1:30 p.m.

A reception to follow at 2:30 p.m. in the 
Pilot Mound Kin Centre.

Donations in memory of Ken may be made to Mound Wildlife PO Box 271 Pilot Mound, MB R0G 1P0   

     (e-transfer to moundwildlife@gmail.com) or to a charity of one’s choice.


 

Kenneth John MacKinnon, born in Wood Bay, MB is missed dearly since his peaceful death, surrounded by his family, at his home in Pilot Mound.

Ken is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Judy (nee Johnson); daughter, Nancy MacKinnon (Chris Podolsky), grandchildren Celty, Sadie and Bo; daughter, Kendra Huot (Dwayne), granddaughter, Lexi; and son, Curtis (Sue Delorme), grandchildren, Calan and Chloe. He is also missed dearly by his sister, Ferne; niece, Barbara Davis (nee Madden) (Rod); and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Campbell (Jim Garwood), Karen Fallis (Garry) and Colleen Watts (Jim); Judy’s nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, John and Elyda MacKinnon, stepfather, Gerald Snowdon, sister, Verna and her husband Gerry Madden, parents-in-law, Charlie and Mid Johnson, brother–in-law, Ron Brooks, and family friend, Jim Foxley.

Ken was born May 2, 1929 on the family farm (now 135 years in the family) where he lived and farmed before moving to town in 2015. He continued to farm with Curtis, making thrice daily trips to the farm in summer months until the age of 91. On his 90th birthday he only asked that the tractor be hooked up so he could go cultivate potholes!

Ken began assisting on the family farm at age 11 continuing his schooling as he was able until Grade 12.  As a young child and throughout his life, Ken was extremely hard working and self-reliant, facing hardship and disappointment without complaint or regret and grateful for all things in his life. His work ethic was second to none.  

Ken enjoyed the freedom and solitude farming gave him but treasured the teamwork and collaboration he found in his community by volunteering, resulting in a lifetime of helping others whether it be in organizations or just assisting a neighbour.  His participation spanned municipal, elevator, conservation, health, church and museum boards to Red Cross and Foresters organizations to concerts, card parties, picnics and gatherings in Wood Bay.  Ken had the ability to look beyond traditional thoughts and processes and would challenge others to consider alternative options. That same quality was evident whether it was planning events and parties or building projects.  Though conservative, he embraced new technology and methods.  His financial contributions, preservation of antiquities and placement of 80 acres of virgin land into Perpetual Natural Habitat are some examples of living what he believed.

A selfless man, Ken honored others needs and wishes before himself, especially those of his family. Farm buildings and equipment were sacrificed for a larger home, for sports equipment and opportunities for the children to participate in various activities.  Birthdays, anniversaries and special holidays were reasons to gather and always celebrated with family and friends.

Ken enjoyed visiting with people, dropping by their table at a restaurant to share a joke or just say hello, making visits to friends and family, taking part in card parties or social functions, or chatting with fellow curlers or neighbouring farmers.  It was while visiting friends who boarded the local school teacher, that Ken met Judy.  Ken loved dancing, he often reminisced about attending two dances every weekend when he was young, and he was still dancing at the age of 91! He was a collector of all sorts; antiques, collectables, artifacts found on the farm land, and newspaper clippings, now all organized in binders. Though humble, he wasn’t too shy to dress up in Lederhosen for a musical or as Santa Claus for local school concerts or undress (yes. undress) at the age of 90, for the “Baring It All” community fundraiser calendar.

Operating a mixed farm didn’t allow for many holidays but when given the opportunity, Ken fully enjoyed the places he visited:  Hawaii, BC, Texas, Panama Cruise and lastly a five week visit to New Zealand and Australia in his late eighties.

On October 15, 2022, Ken’s last tractor ride was on his old open cab Case 400 tractor with his son, Curtis, and youngest grandchildren, Calan, Lexi and Chloe, carrying his ashes to his final resting place in Wood Bay Cemetery; the cemetery he spent many hours maintaining, the cemetery located on the same section of land as the family farm where he was born.  

Guided by Wheatland Funeral Service and Pastor Ernie Hildebrand in a meaningful grave side service while sheltered in an arc of oak trees, family and friends honored Ken’s life with their presence. Others greeted family at the following reception held in the Kin Centre at Pilot Mound. 

If friends so desire, donations can be made to Mound Wildlife, Box, 271, Pilot Mound, MB, R0G 1P0 or a charity of one’s choice.

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