In memory of
Donald Gordon MacKinnon
January 26, 1943 - March 23, 2026
Donald “Don” Gordon MacKinnon passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Don was one of five sons of the late Penelope “Penn” Margaret MacKinnon (née MacKay) and Archibald “Archie” Forbes MacKinnon.
Don was a kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Mary MacKinnon (née Paul), his dear son, James Scott MacKinnon and daughter in law Kelley Leane MacKinnon (née Musson), and his cherished grandchild, Cole Kevin-Donald MacKinnon. Don was predeceased by his brothers Alan, Callum and Vincent and remained close to his brothers Grant and Brent.
Don and Betty began their life together in Sudbury before eventually settling in Oshawa, Ontario, to raise their family. An electrician by trade, Don took great pride in his career, contributing his skills to major mining, hydro, and nuclear construction projects across the province.
Beyond his professional life, Don was a man of many passions. An avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, he also found great joy in the outdoors-hunting, fishing, boating, and target shooting. In his later years, he embraced the digital world, using the internet to explore the beauty of nature and different cultures, while staying closely connected with family and friends. One of his simplest and most consistent joys was his daily walk with his loyal dog, Chelsea.
In retirement, Don loved traveling back to Cape Breton to visit extended family, keeping his roots strong. He was also a firm believer in the value of community service; as an active member of Parkwood Lodge in Oshawa, he was proud to be raised to the degree of a Master Mason.
Don will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on May 30th, 2026, At Thornton Funeral Centre (1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa ON) from 2:00 to 2:45 pm, followed by a brief period from 2:45 to 3:00 p.m. reserved for immediate family. A celebration of life will begin at 3:00 pm, with food and refreshments to be served afterward.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Don's honour, please consider The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Don was a kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Mary MacKinnon (née Paul), his dear son, James Scott MacKinnon and daughter in law Kelley Leane MacKinnon (née Musson), and his cherished grandchild, Cole Kevin-Donald MacKinnon. Don was predeceased by his brothers Alan, Callum and Vincent and remained close to his brothers Grant and Brent.
Don and Betty began their life together in Sudbury before eventually settling in Oshawa, Ontario, to raise their family. An electrician by trade, Don took great pride in his career, contributing his skills to major mining, hydro, and nuclear construction projects across the province.
Beyond his professional life, Don was a man of many passions. An avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, he also found great joy in the outdoors-hunting, fishing, boating, and target shooting. In his later years, he embraced the digital world, using the internet to explore the beauty of nature and different cultures, while staying closely connected with family and friends. One of his simplest and most consistent joys was his daily walk with his loyal dog, Chelsea.
In retirement, Don loved traveling back to Cape Breton to visit extended family, keeping his roots strong. He was also a firm believer in the value of community service; as an active member of Parkwood Lodge in Oshawa, he was proud to be raised to the degree of a Master Mason.
Don will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on May 30th, 2026, At Thornton Funeral Centre (1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa ON) from 2:00 to 2:45 pm, followed by a brief period from 2:45 to 3:00 p.m. reserved for immediate family. A celebration of life will begin at 3:00 pm, with food and refreshments to be served afterward.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Don's honour, please consider The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Thornton Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
1200 Thornton Road, North Oshawa, ON, CANADA, L1J 0C9
Get Directions
Saturday, 30 May 2026 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Celebration of Life
Thornton Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
1200 Thornton Road, North Oshawa, ON, CANADA, L1J 0C9
Get Directions
Saturday, 30 May 2026 3:00 PM