Lionel MacKinnon, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and brother-in-law, passed away peacefully in Brooks on April 9, 2024 at the age of 95, with his family by his side. Lionel is survived by his loving wife Pat of 66 years; sons, Joe (Susan) and Jim (Milly); daughters, Kelly (Kevin) and Karen (Steve); son-in-law Rick McRae (Alana); 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Grace Flanders and Gladys Thormoset and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased by daughter Kathy McRae on January 6, 2011. Lionel was born on May 6, 1928 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan to Doug and Violetta MacKinnon. Lionel was fourth born out of ten children. The family moved to several communities before homesteading in Driftpile, Alberta. Lionel’s parents passed away leaving younger children to be raised by family members, with Lionel going to Uncle Lee and Auntie Eva Pettyjohn in Merryflat, Saskatchewan until he was 14 years old. Lionel started working on the farms in and around Merryflat, Saskatchewan. Lionel had numerous jobs in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. During the winter months, Lionel and his brother Joe, worked falling trees in BC and Alberta. During the summer months, Lionel was working on anything from farming, railroad, working on a power dam at Mt. Bauldy or trucking. In 1956 he met Pat, marrying her in December of 1957. Lionel was driving long haul until 1972, along with having 5 children from 1959 to 1965. In 1972 he started working for the City of Calgary hauling gravel and later moving onto a gravel crusher operator until 1993, when he retired. Upon retiring Lionel and Pat purchased a lot in Rolling Hills and built their dream home. Once Pat retired, they became snowbirds for several years and travelled. Lionel enjoyed many activities/sports such as hunting, fishing, golfing, horseshoe, wood working, playing and coaching ball. Lionel also enjoyed get-togethers with friends and family playing cards of any type. Family would like to thank the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at the Brooks Long Term Care facility, for taking such good care of Lionel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 PM from the Rolling Hills Community Hall. Rev. Debbie Daniels officiating. Interment will be held at Rolling Hills Cemetery. In memory of Lionel, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100,119-14th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD.
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free 866-362-4652
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