(Wilburn) Lloyd MacKinnon (November 17, 1936 - June 26, 2026)
Lloyd MacKinnon passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday June 26, 2026 at the Welland Hospital at the age of 89.
Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Helen; his sons Allan of Windsor, and Richard (Leigh) of Port Colborne; his grandchildren, Richard (Sara) of Dundas, Alex (Janna) of Port Colborne, and Ian (Claire) of Toronto; and his great-grandchildren; Charlotte, Oliver, and Isla. He is also survived by his sister Ruth (Wayne) Hopkins; sister-in-law May MacDonald; brothers-in-law John (Darlene) MacAulay, and Buck Perry, all of Nova Scotia. Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, Wilburn, and Mary; his infant brother, Henry Alexander; and his sister, Norma Oliver.
Lloyd was born in Sunny Brae, Nova Scotia, on November 17, 1936. He attended New Glasgow High School, before earning his Bachelor of Commerce from St. Francis Xavier University. He moved to Ontario in 1958 and worked as an accountant, before starting his teaching career at Port Colborne High School in 1959, and becoming Vice-Principal before joining Lockview Park Secondary School when it opened. He concluded a remarkable 33-year career as Vice Principal at Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School. Lloyd believed that, "education was not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
After dating in their teens, Lloyd & Helen were married in August 1960, sharing an incredible 66-years of marriage. He was a loving husband, always putting Helen first, in her words. They travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Russia, Europe, Thailand, South America, and many other destinations, always seeking adventure and some of the world's most beautiful scenery. They spent many lovely summers at the family "compound" on the ocean near Pictou Landing, NS, creating enduring memories with each other and their family. Lloyd devoted countless hours to Port Colborne Minor Hockey, serving as a league coordinator, timekeeper, and wherever else help was needed. He enjoyed many exciting games around Niagara and attended countless Sabres games with his wife, family, and close friends over the years. Even after his direct involvement with Port Colborne minor hockey had ended, he often traveled around Niagara to watch his grandsons play.
Growing up in Sunny Brae, Lloyd loved the outdoors. He spent many mornings and evenings in the woods, often hunting before and after school. Lloyd was tremendously dedicated to Helen, Allan, and Richard. Over the years, he transitioned from a boy hunting in Sunny Brae, to a father taking Allan and Richard on fishing trips and eventually bringing his grandsons to make maple syrup and ride his four-wheeler at his property in Sunny Brae. He took immense pride in sharing his knowledge with his grandsons. Whether making maple syrup, splitting firewood, using his own father's hand tools and lathe for woodworking projects and animal carvings, identifying birds and trees on a walk, teaching poetry, or playing countless games of lawn darts and ping-pong and crokinole, he was always eager to teach and share what he loved. Anyone fortunate enough to meet Lloyd could count on a warm conversation and his remarkable ability to find a shared connection. Universally well-liked, he was always quick with a joke or witty remark. With the warmth of his smile and the twinkle in his eye, he had a way of making others smile in return. That warmth defined who Lloyd was and it is how his family and many friends will remember him.
In keeping with Lloyd’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service. Those wishing to honour his memory are invited to make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the DAVIDSON
FUNERAL HOME, 135 Clarence Street, Port Colborne.