Obituary of Robert James MacKinnon

Robert James MacKinnon of Port Hastings, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in his quiet and self-effacing way, surrounded by family.

He had an affinity with animals of all kinds; they recognized his kind and gentle soul. For this and many other reasons, he was cherished by cousins far and wide: Roy MacKinnon and Jane MacKinnon in Port Hastings; Cheryl Smith Conway and Charlie, Jonathan and Laura Conway in Newfoundland and Toronto; Kathy MacKinnon, Heather Smith, Andrew, Julia and Rob Tremayne in Ottawa and Halifax; and Carol Ann MacKinnon and Ricardo Guerrero in Columbia.

He also has a special place in the hearts of his stepchildren and their spouses: Bernice and George Legge, Marlene and Eric Jacobie, Wanda Smith, Jimmy and Cathy Smith, Diane Jardine, and Michelle and Ron Melanson.

Robert was predeceased by his wife Geraldine; her two sons, Wilson and Joseph Smith; and his parents, Maude and Ian MacKinnon. He and his father were active in Clan MacKinnon and his mother was one of the Smiths of Cape Breton.

Robert (B.A. 1972) was a staunch alumni supporter of St. Francis Xavier University. He worked for Marine Atlantic in North Sydney from 1971 to 2007, travelling home each weekend to his beloved farm. He was a proud Cape Bretoner who loved the natural beauty of “God’s country” and its rich fiddle music tradition.

There will be a visitation at St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings, starting at noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. The funeral begins at 2 pm at the church.

The family would welcome donations in Robert’s memory to St. David’s United Church, the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique or a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com