HUGH MACKINNON

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HUGH MACKINNON June 1, 1919 - November 16, 2013 Hugh was born June 1, 1919 at 764 McIntosh Ave., Elmwood to Donald and Irene Mackinnon (Harding). Predeceased by his wife, Florence (nee Trent), brothers Donald (Sara) and Ross (Jeanne). Survived by daughter Joanne, son-in-law Bruce Hunt, grandsons Stephen (Barb), Martin (Megan), nephews Don, Brian (Jane), Glen (Koralai), great-nephews Kevin and Ryan, Jonathan (Ruth), Matthew (Laura), niece Erin (Ray) and great-great-nephew Caleb and great-great-niece Abigail. Don, Hugh and Ross were raised in Elmwood and Rainy River. They had the perfect boy's life...Crocodile Dundee...Canadian style. Swimming before breakfast. After breakfast, fishing, canoeing, camping, hunting at the doorstep. Hugh played hockey for the Rainy River Hawks (using magazines for shin pads). He liked to kibitz. His humour...dry and witty. He could always throw out a good zinger. Hugh served in the Navy, (MS Portage la Prairie) Army and Air Force in the Second World War. He would sing "Oh Canada" at the Jet games before it was popular. He was a Jet-Moose season ticket holder for 40 years. Florence and Hugh made St. James their home for 50 years. Hugh and Pete Andrayko were the "Mr. Fix-Its" of Cavell. Popular Mechanics gave them project ideas. They liked to puttsky, which got them into mischief. They carried their tools in their wives old purses. They liked to celebrate with a rum and coke or a "2 beer steak"..."Oh hungry One". Florence and Hugh enjoyed helping Bruce and Joanne raise Stephen and Martin. Laughing with Susan and Jack Hunt's crew was special family time. Especially at Colorado Estates. Another good chapter. Hugh worked for the CNR for 39 years as a machinist. He appreciated the workings of motors (especially in red cars). Sardines were a treat. He supported the union. He enjoyed "doing the books" as Secretary Treasurer. He was a fair man. He would stick up for the underdog. Hugh respected all nationalities and their beliefs. Dad lived by the 10 Commandments and passed these values on to us. He was not afraid to say he supported the NDP for a lifetime. He believed in donating to charity. Dad loved pickerel, the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, having a beer with Alf Walters, the CNR, water colour painting, riding his bike, swimming, golfing, curling, the prairie sky, Johnnie Cash, Reddens Camp and Long Bow Lake. After Florence passed, Hugh wanted to be independent and travel, and go to the lake. Hugh had eight years of cruising, swimming in the ocean, sea-dooing at Linklater Lake, snorkelling, parasailing at 89, discovering a new drink...Black Russians, jumping off a pontoon boat, setting off the cannon at Smith Camp and learning how to play Bacchii, socializing with Megan and Barb's families, fishing for Pickerel. Thank you family and friends for including Hugh in many social events. Dad appreciated the invitations and of course the food. Thank you pet friends Elwood/Guss. Thank you Tammy Tyrrell for the fun visits at Deer Lodge. Thank you Deer Lodge Centre, the staff of T6, for giving my Dad respect, dignity, quality care. Thank you Rosie Balingit for giving my Dad the love and hugs he needed. Thank you Bruce for being the son my Dad never had. A celebration of Hugh's life will take place at the Assiniboine Park, Qualico Centre, Tamarack Room at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 22. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Deer Lodge Centre, T6 Day Program and evening entertainment in care of Kevin Scott or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2013