Alan Bruce McKinney

Alan Bruce McKinney
February 8, 1949 – March 9, 2025
Alan Bruce McKinney was born February 8, 1949, in Salem, Oregon to James and Christeen McKinney. Christeen would often recall that she went into labor with Alan during a snowstorm, and had to go by taxi from Idahna, crossing the winding Cascade Mountain roads to get to Salem for his delivery. The family lived in Idahna for the first several years of his life before moving to Lebanon.
In high school, he met and then married Penny Gay. They had 3 children, Todd, Heidi and Joe.
Alan was a dedicated father who worked at Griggs Mill to provide for his family. He was there for many years until its closure. He then found employment at Morse Brothers/Knife River as a tanker driver until his retirement at age 75.
As a younger man, he enjoyed camping with his family, hunting and fishing. He was often found in his backyard, working on vehicles. He was feisty and typically found ways to interpret rules and regulations as he believed they should apply. At one time, Alan felt he needed a water well in the backyard while living within city limits, so he made one. He taught his children the art of cutting and stacking firewood, the oh so fun task of bleeding the brakes on vehicles, and how to develop the skills needed to avoid running into a 9 foot tall steel basketball post that he had welded for many neighborhood ball games.
Alan later met and married his loving and devoted wife, Linda Fister on July 27, 1991. They were married for almost 34 years until his passing. Linda was his best friend and companion. She often found herself knee-deep in his many projects, working hard alongside him. She loved him deeply and cared for him with her whole heart.
Alan became a stepfather to Linda's daughter, Rachel. Rachel relates that the only thing more challenging than being a parent, is being a stepparent. Their sacrifice of time, energy, and in making space in their hearts for another little human, is one of the most selfless acts of kindness and love a person can give. Alan gave this to her. She felt lucky and thankful for the stepdad, who stepped up to be her Dad.
Alan helped to shape all his children's foundations by teaching them morals and values, discipline, and how to work hard. He instilled in them respect, and determination. He had a kind heart, a big smile, and enduring laugh. He always made sure that his family was taken care of, and more importantly, taught them how to take care of things by themselves. Although more often than not, he did it for them.
Alan was a man who felt that if something should be done, he should do it. There was no hiring things out, unless absolutely necessary. If a 2 acre fence needed to be built, he would do it. If the house plumbing needed fixed, he was on it. If something needed to be rewired, he had the tools needed for the job. If the tree needed taken down, he had his chainsaw handy. If one of his children's driveways needed to be cleaned of leaves, he was there with this leaf blower before they even knew he was doing it. He was an intelligent man who often had to create tools and devices to help him with his many projects.
One of Alan's favorite things to do was take a piece of broken equipment, figure out how it should work, and then rebuild it.
There are innumerous words to describe his essence, personality, and life.
Above all, Alan was a good man who was loved and respected. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; mother in law, Verla Fister, Children : Todd (Holly) McKinney, Heidi (Jake) Blair, Joe (Jen) McKinney, Rachel (Jolene) King. Grandchildren : Max Mckinney, Madison Mckinney, Ethan (Katie) Grimes, Kelsey Grimes, Keely (Charles) Johnson, Bethany Grimes, Eleazar (Kiani) Grimes, Chloe Grimes, Faith McKinney, Finley McKinney and Savannah Sedivy. Great grandchildren : Zoey, Remington, Jasper, Allister, Liam, Keira, Bjorn, Diane, Ezekiel.
Brothers : Ron McKinney and Travis McKinney, as well as countless numbers of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery. A reception will following the funeral and grave side service at Santiam Place, 130 Main St., Lebanon.