Angus L. MacKinnon

Angus Leo MacKinnon passed away peacefully at Inverary Manor, Inverness, on April 1, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by loving family. He was born on May 12, 1937, in Margaree Harbour, NS and was the son of the late John Lauchlin and Rebecca (Dunn) MacKinnon.

Angus L. is survived by his wife of 58 years Anne (Chiasson) and his pride and joy, five children, Darlene (Don MacDonald) of Dartmouth; Daniel (Charlene) of Margaree Harbour; Darren of Lawrencetown, Annapolis; Donna (Adam Cameron) of Lawrencetown, Halifax; and David (Melanie) of Lower Sackville; four grandchildren, Sarah Anne MacDonald, Garrett Myles MacKinnon, Rory Angus MacKinnon, and Norah Grace MacKinnon. Angus L. is also survived by his sister, Marie (Jim Guilford) of Dartmouth; brother-in-law, Roy Cameron of Antigonish, as well as an extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Angus L. is predeceased by his siblings, Myles (Marge Dee), Carmella (Michael LeBlanc), John (Mary Clarke), Chris (Roy Cameron) and Sally.

From the early age of 12 years, Angus L. enjoyed spending his time salmon fishing with his father and continued fishing lobster up to the age of 70.

He received his schooling at the Margaree Harbour School and later at Margaree Forks High School. From 1955-1957, he attended St. F.X. University. In 1957, he chose to go back to fishing for the next ten years. In the winter of 1966-67, Angus L. was hired by Department of Fisheries of Canada for snow crab explorations at three ports in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This research was foundational for the establishment of today’s crab industry.

In 1967, Angus L. returned to university, this time to Teacher’s College in Truro from which he obtained his teaching license. He began teaching at Margaree Forks District School in 1968 and spent the following 26 years teaching industrial arts, health sciences and social studies. He was known for his blunt, nonetheless funny comments and for his extreme patience. For safety and the sake of his sanity, there was no fooling around in Mr. MacKinnon’s shop. He was proud to lead the Reach for the Top team at MFDH. After retiring in 1994, he took great pride in meeting former students who shared how much they valued and benefited from lessons and skills learned in his industrial arts classes.

Angus L. served the community as a member of the Margaree Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years. He practiced his religion with deep faith and conviction dedicating time to support St. Michael’s Parish and various community groups. Angus L. kept active and busy playing cards, gardening, and taking early morning walks along the Shore Road. Affectionately known to his family as Angie or Gus, he enjoyed frequent visits from his children and grandchildren. He could often be found mowing lawns or maintaining the “old house” in preparation of summer visits from the family.

He created many memories with family travelling to California with Myles, family trips to PEI and Dundee with the Chiassons, and Disney World with Sally. Dad joined his adult children on various adventures including driving across Canada and road trips to various provinces and states. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed travelling to watch a live game: from baseball games in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Toronto to a chilly football game in Green Bay. Always a fisherman at heart, many a vacation included a stop at the local wharf to talk to fishers as Anne waited patiently in the car.

The family would like to thank Dr. Susie Egar for her counsel and care during the years of Dad’s illness, as well as the nursing staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Much gratitude and many thanks to the dedicated staff at Harbour Lights Villa at Inverary Manor for their exemplary care. You went above and beyond to learn Dad’s preferences and treated him with dignity. Your support to our family and compassion will not be forgotten.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 4^th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm in St. Michael’s Hall, East Margaree. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 5^th at 11:00am in St. Michael’s Church, East Margaree, with Father Silvichan Dominic (Silvan) presiding. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Parish, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, or charity of choice.