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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MacKINNON, David Roy (Spyder) - 83, Hammonds Plains, passed away unexpectedly, February 4, 2022. Born in Afton, NS on June 20, 1938 to Angus and Irene (MacBeath MacFarlane) MacKinnon, he grew up on the family farm in Afton where, in addition to learning how to work hard and help others, he gained a love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. In 1956, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, where he served on many ships, and gained many lifelong friends and the nickname “Spyder”. He proudly served for twenty-eight years, seeing much of the world and bringing back many treasured souvenirs to his wife and children. In 1984, he retired with the rank Chief Petty Officer 1st Class, and moved to Fairvale, NB to work with Saint John Ship Building on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Program. He finished his career with Irving Shipbuilding at the Halifax Shipyard in 1999.
Roy met Marilyn in Halifax in 1958, set up by a Navy buddy, who’s wife was Marilyn’s cousin. They were married in 1960. Roy and Marilyn shared a full and loving 40 years of marriage, raising their three children in Dartmouth. They became doting grandparents to 7 wonderful grandchildren. Roy retired in 1999 to lovingly care for Marilyn at home until her passing in 2000.
Roy, an avid early morning walker, met a kindred spirit in Barb as she walked her grand-dog through Kingswood. Barb and Roy discovered in each other great senses of humour, kindness, and down-to-earth natures. They were married in 2003 and enjoyed an active life of family, golf, travel, and friends. Marrying Barb extended Roy’s circle of adored family and grandchildren.
For many years, Roy loved hunting and fishing with his friends, and did much to get his children outdoors and seeing the wonders of nature. He particularly enjoyed fishing on the “Kathy-Karen” with his father-in-law, Lawrence Shaw, when he and Marilyn took the kids to her family home in Westport for vacations.
He and Barb took up golf, enjoying many games at Airlanes Golf Club. Roy loved helping his family and neighbours, working in his yard, and feeding the birds and all the other animals that wandered by. He was always up for a game of cards or crib. He wrote heartfelt and humorous messages on cards to his grandchildren, which they treasured. He was a member of the Atlantic Chiefs and Petty Officers Association, volunteered at the Metro Food Bank and Beacon House for many years, gave generously to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, and would lend a hand to anyone. Most of all, Roy loved getting together with the family, particularly all the fun years at the cottage on Brule Point. He will be dearly missed.
Roy is survived by his wife Barbara Ann MacKinnon; sister Shirley Jennings; sisters-in-law: Winnifred Mason and Alice Shaw; brother-in-law Charles Grant; his children: Kathy Coughlan (Terry), David MacKinnon (Sally Steele and her children Maya and Neco), Donna MacKinnon (David Berrigan); his grandchildren: Matthew Coughlan (Lindsay), Mark Coughlan (Devyn Carter), Maggie (Kim McAuslan) and Niall MacKinnon and their mother Anne-Margaret MacKinnon, Alice Berrigan (Ryan Fortune), Liam Berrigan (Rachel Cormier) and Sean Berrigan (Selby Jessiman). He is also survived by Barb’s children: Lynn Johns (Barry), Ben Young (Sandra Pike), Donna Bramley (Peter Sharma) and Leslie-Anne Dempster (Shane Beddow and his children Kyle and Kennedy). Barb’s grandchildren: Brittany, Christopher, Breanna, Jazimar, Christian, Mia, Beckham, Liam, Ryan and great grandchildren Austin and Milan. He is survived by many special nieces and nephews and lots of good friends. Besides his parents, Roy was predeceased by his wife Marilyn and his sister Jennie Grant.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions the funeral is limited to 25 guests (by invitation). A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The funeral service will take place: Friday, February 11, 2022, 10:00am at Atlantic Funeral Homes, 125 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, NS. Vaccination records, photo ID and masks required. The service will be live streamed by visiting Roy’s obituary page on the funeral home website. Interment at a later date in Brookside Community Cemetery, Bedford.
Donations in memory of Roy may be made to Beacon House, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, or an organization of your choice would be appreciated. (Atlantic Funeral Homes)
Ships served in: HMCS ALGONQUIN - Commissioning crew. * During the construction of the CPFs in Saint John, Roy MacKinnon was the designated the shipyard's trials Cox'n for all nine ships built in the shipyard.
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