Obituary of Frederick MacKinnon

John Frederick MacKinnon, Ashfield, Cape Breton passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family, who loved him beyond measure.

Frederick was the son of the late John Dan and Breadalbane (MacDonald) MacKinnon. Born in Ashfield on June 2, 1932, he attended the local one room school and left to go work in the woods at an early age. He worked for the Department of Transportation as a snow plough operator and at the Little Narrows Gypsum Plant, where he remained a loyal employee for 43 years. He also farmed, taking over from his father. Frederick loved animals, was skilled in their care and was often asked to assist when the vet wasn’t available. There were many nights he got out of bed to pull someone out of the ditch with the farm tractor.

Frederick married the love of his life, Mary (MacPherson) in 1956 and they settled together on the family farm. He leaves behind to mourn his wife of 67 years, Mary; children, Roz, Kentville; Floyd (Catherine Jane), Little Narrows; Leslie (Alana), Inverness and Arlene (Colm), Berwick. Grandchildren, Shauna (Robert); Brittany (Steven); Kayla (Eric); Fallon, Dylan (Lindsay); Samantha; Natasha and Marcus (Kenna). Great-grandchildren, Paige (Logan), Challis, Takeisha, Easton, Ocean, Millie, Willa, Sophia and Isabella; also brothers-in-law, Malcolm MacPherson, Orangedale East; Archie (Velda) MacPherson, Beaverbank; plus, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also adopted as Poppy by many others, who, along with his own family he adored.

He was predeceased by his parents, his step-mother, Margaret; brothers, Dan Hughie and Charles and sisters, Betty and Christena. As well as brothers-in-law, Horace, John D, Peter, Jimmy, Alex, Thompson, DJ and sisters-in-law Jessie, Nan, Effie and Edna.

He was a lifetime member of the Stewart United Church and a former school trustee. Frederick was a hard worker, a friend to many. A man of honour and honesty who will be missed by everyone who knew him, most of all by his family.

Many thanks to Dr. Dodd and the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Much gratitude to Drs. Bennett and Ritter, the nursing and support staff at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for their kind care over the past months.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 19 from 3-7 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh, NS.

Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 20 at 11 a.m. from Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh with Rev. Karen MacNeill officiating. Family only graveside committal. Reception at the Cameron Hall, Whycocomagh, NS to follow. All Welcome.

Family flowers only please.  Memorial donations may be made to the Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh.

Arrangements under the care of the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

Funeral service for the late Fredrick MacKinnon will be recorded and posted to the obituary following the service.