Obituary of John Wayne MacKinnon

John Wayne Mackinnon Sydney We are saddened to share the sudden passing of our father and grandfather, John Wayne Mackinnon, 78, of George St, Sydney, on Feb 1, 2023. Born in Frenchvale, NS, he was the son of the late Christina and John Michael (Johnny Mick). Dad was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, loved to speak and teach others Gaelic, enjoyed playing cards, telling stories and music. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and love of mischief. He preferred to be called John Wayne, “but not the movie star,” he would joke. Dad joined the army at 16 and became a Guardsman with the 2nd Battalion Canadian Guards, meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II, while performing the Trooping of the Colors Ceremony and conducting Guards of Honour. Dad was a master tradesman as a Drywall Finisher and member of the IUPAT local 1945. Dad taught his craft to many still working today, including his son Jason. Many homes throughout NS still showcase his decorative ceilings. Survived by his son Jason (Wanda O’Neil) and two daughters, Shauna (Joe Yhard), Ontario and Noeline Francis, 6 grandchildren, Vonica Flear, Jared and Justin Mackinnon, Kaley, Jaron and Jolton Francis, as well as his sisters Esther (Clary) MacDonald, Erdine (Mark) LaPointe, Sudbury, Margaret “Peggy” (Mannie) Goldenthal, Winnipeg, and Sandra Evans, Chatham NB. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Arlene Mackinnon (Hawco), daughter Angie Mackinnon, sisters Lucille (Gerald) Redmond, Sudbury, Annabelle, Florence Christina and brothers Joseph, Winnipeg, Albert (Bud) Carver, East Bay, Jimmy (Jamsie), Sudbury, Alexander, Hector Daniel, Vincent and Roland. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and management of Harbourstone Enhanced Care, as Dad was truly happy there. He loved to play cards, listen to music and joke with the staff, who always took the time to share a laugh at his Dad jokes. Memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, Heart and Stroke foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb 11 from 10am-12pm in TJ Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175, followed by a funeral service in the Chapel and and a reception afterward. Internment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Livestreaming: https://www.facebook.com/100077527872694/live_videos/.