It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear (Best Favourite) brother, Francis Kevin MacKinnon on October 28, 2021 in Inverness Inverary Manor, just eight days after his 62nd birthday.
Although Francis was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, it was through the determination of our parents that he remained in our family home in Inverside, and not in an Institution. This determination saw him first educated at home, then attending Special Ed Classes in Inverness. Later he worked at the Inverness Cottage Workshop for 37 years. After his work experience at the Cottage Workshop, he took residence at Chemoi Group Home in Cheticamp and was employed at the Green Door woodworking shop for two years before moving to the Inverary Manor in the Sea Breeze Villa.
In retirement, he continued his involvement in music. He was busy playing the spoons and finding new joy in other instruments as well as making so many new friends and acquaintances.
Next to his love of family, or sometimes in competition with family, his passion for Celtic music took the lead in his life. He was devoted to many Cape Breton artists such as Ashley MacIssac, The Rankin Family, John Allen Cameron and many others. He played along to their music. It was uplifting to our ears and brought us as much joy as it did to him. That devotion and passion carried on over 35 years with his playing at the Broad Cove Scottish Concert, thanks to Father Stanley MacDonald.
For those of us who know and love Francis, or for those who had the pleasure of meeting him, know of his strength of character, his happiness for all those around him, and most of all his love of music. It soothed his soul. Now we will have to listen for him playing from heaven. So when you hear the sound of thunder, listen, that’s Francis playing the spoons so you don’t forget him.
Francis is survived by his sisters, Margaret MacKinnon, Helen (Colin) McKinnon; brothers, John (Betty) MacKinnon, Anthony (Irena Schon) MacKinnon, Gerald (Martha) MacKinnon, Chisholm (Laura Cormier) MacKinnon and Angus MacKinnon. Also honorary family members Bob and Jill MacKenzie and good friend Larry MacDonald and Father Stan MacDonald; nieces and nephews, Greg, Mark, Keith, Kristen, Kevin, Kyle, Chisholm, Meaghan, Natalee, Cameron, Iain, Bryce, Meryl, Colin, Brendan; his Aunt Patricia O'Neill and Uncle Malcolm MacPhee and Aunt Kay Stubbert.
Francis is predeceased by his parents, Alexander (Sandy) and Agatha MacKinnon, as well as his sister Sarah Helen MacKinnon. His paternal grandparents Angus and Sarah MacKinnon and maternal grandparents John Archie and Margaret Bell MacPhee. Also his Aunt Francis McDaniel, Aunt Mary Margaret Jones, Uncle John Neil MacPhee, Uncle Thomas MacPhee, Aunt Mary Campbell, Aunt Florence Kennedy.
A visitation in Inverness Funeral Home for Francis will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove will occur Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Francis will be laid to rest in St. Margaret of Scotland Cemetery, Broad Cove, Nova Scotia, B0E IN0.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated towards Inverary Manor, Mill Road Social Enterprises, Chemoi Group Home Cheticamp, or the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Invernessfuneralhome.com for the MacKinnon family.
