Raymond "Skinny" MacKinnon

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Raymond "Skinny" MacKinnon announce his passing in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital on March 15, 2015. Raymond was born in Inverness on March 28, 1931, and was a son of the late Dan Archie and Margaret (MacQuarrie) MacKinnon. Raymond was a member of Stella Maris Parish, Inverness and was a devoted husband of 59 years and is survived by his wife, Rose (Walker); children, Danny (Kay), Raymond Jr., Walker, and Jackson all of Inverness. He was a loving grandfather and great grandfather to Tyron, Frankie, Danny, Travis, Ricky, Rebecca, Emily Rose, Brady, Tessa, Rossi, Kiersten, Alyssa, Lila and Callie. He is also survived by his sisters, Jenny Flint, Saskatoon; Alice Walker, Montreal; brother, Sterling MacKinnon, Inverness. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alexander, Earl, Lawrence, Jordon; sisters, Jessie Catherine Sauve, Doris Hendricks, Laura (Lola) Lyeness, Mabel MacKinnon and Mayella MacKinnon. Raymond spent most of his life in Inverness with the exception of a few years in the 50's where he worked in Toronto. He and Rose married on October 15, 1955 in Toronto and soon returned home to raise their family. Raymond fished lobster out of the Inverness Harbour for many years and worked for the Department of Transportation until retirement. His home was always warm and welcoming to family and friends and he was quick to put the kettle on when you entered and share their home baked goodies. He loved sitting out on the deck, chatting with family, friends and neighbours, watching the ocean and sunsets from his "chair", where he would also spend Saturday evenings cheering his Habs on. He looked forward to his daily trip up the road to join his buddies at Bernies for a good card game and could often be found around the wharf waiting for his boys to arrive safely back at the harbour. His presence will be missed at the Inverness Raceway where he enjoyed many evenings and afternoons in the winners circle as an owner and fan. An old town favourite, Battle Gun was owned and trained by Raymond in the 70's. In recent years he travelled thoughout the racing circuit in the Maritimes watching and cheering on the Inverness horses. Raymond lived life to the fullest, had lots of friends and a family he treasured. "Papa Skinny" not only to his grandkids but to many, will always be remembered in our hearts and we will always have a smile when we think of our great memories of a fine man. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, especially Dr. Rhea MacDonald. Friends and family are invited to shared their condolences with Raymond's family in Stella Maris Church, Inverness on Friday March 20 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. with funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m., Fr. Bernie MacDonald officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Inverness Consolidated Hospital Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society of Nova Scotia.
On-line condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com