Byron McKinney Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

McKinney, Byron H. age 88, of Edina, died Jan. 30, 2007. Preceded in death by wife, Doreen. Survived by daughter, Marcia (John) Diracles of Hopkins and Kim Engelsman of Yardley, PA; 3 grandchildren, David (Megan) Diracles of London, England, Rob and Alison Engelsman of Yardley, PA. Byron was born in Scranton, Arkansas on March 11, 1918. He was raised in Arkansas and graduated from Hendrix College in 1939. During WWII he served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He returned home after the war to marry Doreen Robertson in 1946. They settled in New York City where he became a member of The American Theater Wing establishing the first TV training course in the United States. During this period Bryon was also an on-air radio and television personality. In 1948 he became one of two TV directors at the fledgling Dumont Television Network. Later, he was a producer for the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson. In 1969 he joined the Academy Award winning documentary film production company, Francis Thompson Inc. It was here and later in his own firm, Byron McKinney Associates, that he was the executive producer of many award winning films, including "City Out of Wilderness", "The Feast of the Gods", "Legacy... Andrew W. Mellon Remembered" and "Collecting America". In 1976 he produced "To Fly", the ground breaking IMAX film which opened at the inauguration of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. "To Fly" has been viewed by more people than any other film. In 1996 Byron and his wife retired to Edina where he continued his lifelong passion for the arts, travel and antiques. The family is deeply grateful for all the help they received from the loving staff at Jones- Harrison Residence and from his Fairview Hospice team. Memorials preferred to Jones-Harrison Residence or Fairview Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, W. 50th St. & Wooddale, Edina. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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To Byron's Family,

I only just discovered that Byron had passed away. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Byron was a friend and mentor to me. We traveled the world together when we worked as a team at Francis Thompson. Byron taught me so much about life, filmmaking and appreciating the world around us. He was a true friend and I loved him dearly.

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

With sorrow,
Steve Fairchild
12 Rosemere Street
Rye, NY...

Steve Fairchild

December 14, 2007 | Rye, NY

Dear Marcia & Mike, I am very sad for your loss. I have thought often about your Dad, Marcia. He will be in my book, Minnesota's Movie Makers, coming out in fall of 2007, Help me write his mini-bio essay. I have Minnesotans in the Movies at Barnes & Noble, Borders now. Rolf

Rolf Canton

March 03, 2007 | Bonn, Germany

To the family of Byron McKinney,

Please accept our sympathy for your loss. It was an honor to be with Byron during his final days. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May your memories bring you comfort.

We sincerely thank you for naming Fairview Hospice as a recipient of memorials. Your gift will help many others.

Sincerely,

The Fairview Hospice Team

Fairview Hospice

February 07, 2007 | Minneapolis, MN

A great arts historian, NYC tourguide and my favorite uncle. Thanks for holding on.

Russ McKinney

February 04, 2007 | Little Rock, AR

Marcia and family -

Isn’t it a surprise and isn’t it so very wonderful when someone comes briefly into your life and you are touched for a lifetime? Was it the many stories of his full life’s experiences that he so readily shared, his calm nature and gentle spirit, his overwhelming positive attitude or his incredibly hearty laugh that drew me in? I have a suspicion it just might have been a combination of all. Engaged in life and inspirational in the face of death - Byron was my...

Marcia Erickson

February 01, 2007 | Plymouth, MN

Marcia and family:
So sorry to read about your dad! Our hearts are with you at this time as we just buried Dan's dad and know how hard these days are! May God's peace and love surround you during this difficult time.

Dan and Debbie Thormodsaard

February 01, 2007 | Blaine

Bryon was my neighbor at Fountain Woods and I truly loved meeting him in the hall or garage and just sharing a little. He was the greatest example to me of how to have a sweet loving spirit. I have missed him greatly and know that you will also.

Kathleen Hagenah

February 01, 2007 | Edina, MN

Byron H. McKinney

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