Obituary of John Roy McKinnon

John Roy McKinnon, MD, FRCSC, passed away May 12, 2019 at the age of 89. Known to residents of LaSalle and Windsor as Dr. John, he was born February 9, 1930 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, as the second of seven children for Michael and Hilda McKinnon (Landry). Predeceased by siblings Robert (Madeline), Marie (late Frank Burke), Gregory (late Beverly), Helene (late Carson MacKenzie) and survived by sister Lorene (late Robert McKenzie), brother Michael MacKinnon, MD (Mary) and 24 nieces and nephews. In 1955, John married Mary Elizabeth Doyle, who passed away in 2003. Together, they raised six children: Michael, Chris (Jennifer Curtis), Peter (Maryann van Buuren), Mimi (Noel Mateo), Jeff (Ilona Love) and Alan (Alison Matthews). Today, there are 16 grandchildren: Emily, Meagan, Andrew, Kieran, Grady, Sisa, Kai, Zeny, Paige, Devon, Adrian, Inara, Larisa, Ruby, Marlon and Ben; and two great grandchildren, Desmond and Matilda. In 1986, John married Berta McKay, MD, who has five children: Robert (Jennifer), Roberta (Dan), Alex (Suzanne), John and Sandy; seven grandchildren: Alastair, Cecelia, Emma, Fiona, Aren, Elspeth and Callum; and three great grandchildren Talia, Jaxson and Iver. After earning degrees from St. Francis Xavier and Dalhousie universities, Dr. John began practicing family medicine in Neil’s Harbour, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. To pursue his goal of becoming a surgeon, Dr. John moved his young family to Detroit, Michigan, where he completed a residency in general surgery at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hospital. In 1962, he took over a family practice in LaSalle, Ontario – working out of a home-based office for the first decade. Dr. John’s younger brother Michael joined the practice in 1965. Dr. John endeared himself to the community by practicing a style of medicine rarely seen today: he spent time with patients, listened to their concerns and often made house calls. As a surgeon, he quickly earned a reputation for precision and speed and was a recognized fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. He later served as Chief of Surgery at Grace Hospital. In 2005, the Town of LaSalle recognized Dr. John and his brother Dr. Mike for 40-plus years of medical service. Dr. John retired from surgery in 2000 but continued to see patients well into his 80s, caring for a third generation of LaSalle families. Dr. John was the resident doctor at Brentwood Recovery. He was especially grateful for the love and support of the late Father Paul Charbonneau, the late Bob Monks and Sam Devon. Dr. John was a seeker. His lifelong quest to understand the human condition fueled not only his medical career but a passion for travel, music, literature, art, drama and dance that lives on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL (South Chapel) 3048 Dougall Ave., 519-253-7234 on Monday May 20, 2019 from 6-8pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday May 21, 2019 at Sacred Heart Parish (1425 Divine, Lasalle) from 10am until time of Memorial Mass at 11am. Inurnment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Health Foundation or the Charity of your Choice. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com