July 13, 2026
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Donald James “Pige” MacKinnon of Kincardine died July 10, 2026, at Huron Shores Hospice, Tiverton, after a short illness, in his 80th year.
Don, or “Pige” to many close to him, was born at the Kincardine General Hospital, July 14, 1946, son of the late John L. and Alma (nee Hunter) MacKinnon.
Survived by his son, Patrick; daughter, Alison (John) Koniuch; and grandson, Tyler Koniuch, all of Brantford.
Also survived by his fiancé and soul-mate, Ruth Savage; and her children, Brad (Julie) Savage, Blair (Ashley) Savage, and Alexa (Jeremy) McQuillin; as well as her 11 grandchildren.
Remembered by his brother-in-law, Danny Robson of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Until the age of nine, Don enjoyed life with his family on the 10th Concession of Kincardine Township when his family then took up residence on the north side of the Town of Kincardine. He often spoke of the friends he made during both his rural and town years.
In Kincardine, he attended W.E. Thomson Public School and then Kincardine High School where he excelled on many sports teams. Upon completion of high school, he went to teachers’ college, and his first school assignment was Bruce Township Central Public School in Underwood.
He attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo obtaining his Bachelor of Science and Arts degree, and spent the next many years teaching in Brantford, specializing in math and physical education, with Grade 8 being his favourite. During his teaching years, he mostly lived in the nearby Town of Paris. After retiring, he did not have his fill of kids and spent many years driving school buses.
The shores of Lake Huron were calling Don back, and he returned to Kincardine where he has lived for the past five plus years. Here, he has enjoyed life, reconnecting with old friends and meeting many new ones.
Predeceased by his brother, Eoin (Jan) MacKinnon; and sisters, Jean (Mike) Christopher and Kay Robson.
A celebration of life for Don will be held on his 80th birthday, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 2-5 p.m., with words of remembrance at 3:30 p.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 183, Kincardine.
Interment, Kincardine Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton, the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, or the Kincardine Legion, in place of flowers, would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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