Elson "Mac" Vernon McKinney passed away on Sunday, September 30th, 2001 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit. He was born November 25th, 1913 in Boissevain, Manitoba to Fred and Ina McKinney. He grew up on the family farm in the Turtle Mountains. In his teen years he travelled the railways, worked in lumberjack camps in Ontario and then returned to purchase his own farm in the Turtle Mountains. He married a young schoolteacher, Alice Jane Hutton, on July 22nd, 1939. At the time she was working at Lake Max School and after a few years of farming they moved into the city of Brandon. Mac worked at Anglo Canadian Oil Refining until their closing in 1969. He is well remembered for the many years at the pump station on #10 South. Mac completed his final working years at Christie's School Supplies, the City of Brandon Recreation Department and the Brandon Cemetery. Mac was an active participant in the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder for many years. As a Mason he was a member of Brandon Lodge #19 (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) and went on to be District Deputy Grand Master. Mac was an active proponent of getting recycling going in Brandon. He spent countless hours pursuing his avid love for the outdoors spending time hunting and tending his garden. From a young age he had a fond love for music and it showed in his participation in the local Barber Shop Chorus and Booster Dance Club. Mac will fondly be remembered for this phrase "Hard work will never hurt anyone". In his 87 years he lived life to the fullest enjoying his gardening, friends and family. No job was too big or left undone. If something was in need of repair, he was on the job. After Alice's passing, he married Eleanor McMullan on May 3rd, 1986. In their short time together they spent their days golfing, dancing, travelling and were avid bridge players. Mac was predeceased by both of his wives, Alice and Eleanor; his parents, Fred and Ina McKinney; and brothers, Bill, Doug and Earl. He leaves to mourn his passing, son, Ken (Ruth) McKinney; daughter, Joan (Bob) Feliciano; grandchildren, Barbara and Darren; Christopher and Sean; nephews, Dave (Alison) Clement; Don (Sharon) Hutton, and Murray (Judy) Hutton. Also Surviving are his special friend Lorrine Milne; stepson, Grant (Theresa) McMullan; and sisters-in-law, Marion Hutton and Chris Stewart. The Service to Remember Mac's Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 339 - 12th Street, on Thursday, October 4, 2001 at 2:30 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken McKinney, Christopher Feliciano, Sean Feliciano, Dave Clement, Grant McMullan and Don Hutton. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Mac may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2W8. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Canadian Cancer Society