ARTHUR DERWENT (DERRY) MCKINNON

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ARTHUR DERWENT (DERRY) MCKINNON It is with sadness that Arthur McKinnon passed away in the evening of March 24, 2018 in Winnipeg, with his family by his side. Arthur, the eldest of six children, was born July 16, 1931 in Neepawa, MB to Rosetta (Bradley) McKinnon and Peter McKinnon. He is survived by his son Robert, his former wife and caregiver, Kathleen, brother Donald (Sharon), sister Joan Madill, brother Keith McKinnon and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by his extended family of Beverly and Ken Barnes, and Shelley and Ramiro Matias and their children who have been so compassionate and helpful during Arthur's illnesses. Arthur was predeceased by his son Kenneth (1960), parents, Peter (1988) and Rosetta (2001), brother Lorne (2000) and sister Evelyn (2017). Arthur attended schools at Inkerman, Makewin and Arden. He worked on various local farms in the district in his youth. Arthur enlisted in December, 1951 in Edmonton with the Royal Canadian Infantry Regiment, taking basic training in Petawawa and Wainright before he left for Korea on the HB Freeman from Seattle. Arthur served his tour of duty proudly with the 3rd and 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battalions. He returned to Canada on The General Buckner, then took the Military train across Western Canada to North Brandon train stop. Arthur received an Honorable Release on September 14, 1954. Arthur belonged to several Legions and lastly to the St. James Branch #4 in Winnipeg. He became a member of the Korean War Veterans Association #17 in 1984 and was actively involved in Hospital and Sick Visiting and Marching with the Legion and KVA. One of his passions was volunteering each year with the annual Poppy Campaign. He was honoured in 2016 to receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his past involvements. Arthur was also a Life Member of the International War Veterans Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Arthur owned McKinnon Auto Sales on Notre Dame Avenue. He also drove charter trip buses for Red River Motor Coach and Grey Goose Bus Lines for many years. He was friendly and outgoing and until he passed, had a continuous interest in motor vehicles. Arthur had a hard time accepting the debilitating Parkinson Disease in his final years and then recently was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Thanks to the doctors and team of workers who looked after his medical needs at Grace Hospital - you were all very special. Thanks also to his morning coffee friends in Garden City who gave him daily encouragement to cope. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, April 24 at 12:00 noon at the Neepawa Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Neepawa Legion. Donations in his memory can be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2 or the Town of Neepawa Cemetery Perpetual Care, PO Box 339, Neepawa, MB ROJ 1HO. Our country is in mourning, a soldier died today. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2018