It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of “Mack” MacKinnon, affectionately known to many as “Big Mack", on Aug. 31, 2026.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, in 1950, Mack was the son of the late John Ronald MacKinnon and Theresa MacKinnon (Kennedy). Mack is also survived by his brother, Daniel (Melody) MacKinnon, and his sister, Linda (Mike) Peacock. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Patsy (Terry) Burke.

Mack worked at Sydney Steel for 30 years; a job and a place that became a big part of his life. He once said, “If they didn’t close, I would still be working there.”

At the centre of Mack’s life was the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Janet (Gillis) MacKinnon. Their life together was one built on love, family, friendship, and countless memories.

Mack was a devoted father to his daughter, Shannon (Dwayne Buchanan), and his son, Darren (Angela MacKinnon), and a proud grandfather to Ryan, Tyler, and Erica. His family meant everything to him, and he held a particularly special place in his heart for his close nieces and nephews.

To his family and friends, Mack was always the “go-to guy.” If something was broken, needed fixing, or someone simply needed a hand, Mack was the person you called. There wasn’t much he couldn’t repair, figure out, or find a way to make work. More importantly, he was always willing to help.

An avid outdoorsman, Mack loved hunting and fishing and treasured the time he spent outdoors. Some of his happiest memories were shared with a special group of friends who spent many years together hunting, fishing, laughing, and telling stories — including, of course, more than a few about “the one that got away.”

And if you happened to be up at 4 a.m. and stopped by Robin’s in New Waterford, there was a good chance you would find Mack there with his good buddies, having a coffee, sharing a laugh, and catching up on all the local gossip.

Mack will be remembered for his willingness to help others, his love of the outdoors, his friendships, and, above all, his devotion to his family and to Janet.

He was one of a kind, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Though Mack may no longer be here to fix what is broken, share another story, or head out on another hunting or fishing trip, the life he built, the people he helped, and the memories he gave us will remain with us always.

Cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford on Friday, Sept. 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating and Father Jim Oliver concelebrating. Burial will be in St. Michael's cemetery, River Ryan, with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.