VERDUN (VERN) MACKINNON

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VERDUN (VERN) MACKINNON It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Verdun MacKinnon on Wednesday, July 24, 2002. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Mardell, daughter Susan (Mrs. Jonas Sammons), son William, and his granddaughter Erika. Vern will also be sadly missed by his two sisters, Grace (Mrs. Fred Dowell) and Anita (Mrs. Ken Hirst) as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Vera in 1984. Born in Fort William in 1916, Verns family farmed at Slate River for many years. From the age of 14, he worked as a hired man, lumberjack, construction worker, teamster, and storekeeper to help support his family through the depression. In 1938, he began working for the Ontario Hospital, supervising the crops and animals with the help of able-bodied patients. It was there that he met his first wife, Vera Selkirk who he married in October of 1942 just prior to enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy. He served on the H.M.C.S. Goderick, a minesweeper, for the duration of the war, earning a L.T.O. and the rank of Leading Seaman. He was also mentioned in dispatches by the King honouring him for his extended service in perilous waters on the North Atlantic. After the war, Vern began his lengthy career with the British American Oil Company (Gulf Canada), steadily rising from the position of truck driver to Branch Manager, Salesman and Area Manager. Vern served with B.A. in Thunder Bay, Kenora, Neepawa, Brandon, and Thunder Bay again before transferring to Winnipeg in 1957. He retired from Gulf Canada in 1978. After retirement, he spent his summers at Matlock and his winters travelling or at his residence in Mesa, AZ. He loved to golf, garden, curl and read. Vern loved his family, his church, his cottage, sports and a good argument. He was a good man and we will miss him. The family extends its sincere thanks to the staff on Ward 2 South at Grace Hospital for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 26 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2002