May 4, 1928 - Jan 23, 2018
Hugh John McKinnon was born in Drumheller Alberta May 4, 1928 and passed away suddenly on January 23, 2018.
Hugh was predeceased by his loving wife Violet Grace McKinnon (nee Purdy) in 2016 after 58 years of marriage. They retired to Comox BC where they lived happily since 1993. Hugh was an outgoing, compassionate and community-minded optimist who enriched the lives of all that knew him.
Hugh was active in the community and served in the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Comox Valley Probus Club, and was a founding member of the Celtic Club. A 32nd degree Honorary Life Member of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, he was especially honored by a 50 year pin from the Grand Lodge of Alberta, a Lifetime Membership Award from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary-Pacific, and the BC Trucking Association Bent Wheel Award.
After graduation from the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA), Hugh worked in the farm equipment business for Massey Harris. He later worked for International Harvester in Calgary where he met Vi. He married in 1958, moved to Edmonton as branch manager, and had three children before moving to Terrace in 1966 to start Terrace International Truck and Equipment. While there, he was a member of the Terrace Chamber of Commerce and the Terrace Rotary Club. In 1980 Hugh moved to Burnaby as he had the opportunity to start Vancouver Freightliner as president, with over 100 employees when he retired in 1993.
Hugh is lovingly remembered by son Fraser (Aileen): grandchildren Ian, Jane & Robert, and younger son Spencer (Sheilagh): grandchildren Niamh & Lachlan, and his daughter LeAnne (Dale).
Hugh was born to Olive and Archibald McKinnon with five siblings: Marjorie Klem (Comox), Allen McKinnon (Standard, Alta.) and Donald McKinnon (Calgary); and deceased Charlie McKinnon (Edmonton) and Doris Smith (Leduc, Alta.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society.
A funeral will be held at the Comox Valley Funeral Home on Ryan Road Saturday February 10th, 2018 at 1:30 PM. Many thanks to all friends, especially in these last years.