Obituary of Al MacKinnon

Alexander "Al" Gerard MacKinnon, 70, of London, Ontario, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 8, 2013. Al (a.ka. Gerard) was born on June 29, 1943 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to John Charles and Margaret (Peggy) MacKinnon. Raised in Lanark Co., the son of the respected local barber and farming family, Al moved to Toronto, Ontario and joined the Toronto Police Service in his early twenties. He served in various divisions, with his greatest love being the time he served in the Mounted unit. After leaving the force he moved back to Nova Scotia for a period of time, but later returned to Ontario where he pursued a long career in the private security industry - primarily with The Toronto Star Newspaper and until his death, Guardsmark, servicing Blackberry in Waterloo. He never forgot his rural roots and enjoyed camping and spending time in the country or visiting with his children and grandchildren. Al is survived by his three children, Alexander MacKinnon, John Charles (Sheri) MacKinnon and JoAnne (Brent) Daynard; four grandchildren, Brandon Daynard, Connor Daynard, Haley MacKinnon and Lindsey MacKinnon; and nephews, niece and great nephews and nieces in Carlton Place, Ontario. Several people touched Al's life, including Shirley, Barb, Renny, and Shelley. He will also be sadly missed by his many cousins in Antigonish, N.S. He was preceded in death by his parents and only brother, Doug MacKinnon. Al loved greatly and was much loved in return. The family of Al MacKinnon will receive friends at the DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (Taunton Road east of Thornton Road)905-440-3595 , on Saturday, November 16th from 1-2 p.m. A celebration of Al's life will be held in the DeStefano Chapel at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the in the Aviation Lounge of the DeStefano Funeral Home. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.destefanofuneralhomes.ca