April 17, 1931 – December 28, 2017
Jim McKinnon passed away peacefully on December 28, 2017 with his family by his side.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, his children Campbell (Terrie), Sandra (Bryce), Peter (Karyn) and grandchildren Matthew and Amanda. Jim, affectionately known as Jimmy or George, made friends everywhere he went.
He was an eternal optimist, with a wonderful sense of humour, who enjoyed sharing a firm handshake with everyone he met. Jim was born in Glasgow, Scotland and immigrated to Canada at the age of 22 with $100.00 in his pocket. He established himself as a respected Civil Engineer and later he went on to own his own company called “Setchell and McKinnon Limited.” In his leisure time, he enjoyed summers at the family cottage in Algonquin Park and travelling with family and friends. Of particular note was a family trip to Scotland where he was able to share his roots. Several years ago Jim wrote his life memoirs for his family. One lesson he emphasized was that, “Life is a work in progress.” He strongly valued life-long learning. In his retirement, he took up drumming for the first time in his 70's and attended weekly lectures at his Men's Group. During his recent hospital stays he gained a new appreciation for his granddaughter's profession as an Occupational Therapist. Although his passing during the holiday season was a difficult time for his family, he would be proud of the way they came together to support one another.
A Final Farewell to Jim will take place on Tuesday January 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Arbour Trails, 32 Bayberry Drive, Guelph.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Jim McKinnon to Stroke Recovery Canada-Guelph Wellington Chapter would be appreciated. (You can also mail a cheque payable to Stroke Recovery Canada Guelph Wellington Chapter and send to: Stroke Recovery Canada – Guelph Wellington Chapter Unit A5, 100 Crimea Street Guelph, ON N1H 2Y6)
A tree will be planted in memory of Jim L. McKinnon in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm.