Obituary of Fabian McKinnon, Glace Bay

Fabian McKinnon

Glace Bay

 

It is with deep sadness and also with great faith, hope and love that we announce the passing of our father, brother and grandfather Fabian McKinnon, age 85 who passed away surrounded by his loving family into the divine embrace of Our Lord and His Church on March 14, 2018 at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.

Born on March 7, 1933 he was the son of the late Lawrence and Muriel (Layes) McKinnon.

He worked for 15 years as a coal miner as a young man in several collieries in Cape Breton. From there he worked at the Heavy Water Plant in Glace Bay and eventually became one of three founders of the Cape Breton Labourers Union in Sydney. He was known for his quick wit and like a true Cape Bretoner, Da felt the need to have a nickname on everyone from politicians to even his own grandchildren. 

A simple man of profound faith in Our Lord and His Church was his most memorable trait. The stamina and patient endurance in his faith was an inspiring characteristic that many people noticed. Service to Christ and His Church, whether it was serving at Mass, an active member of the KOC or simply being present in silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament were some of his greatest joys. Being awake at 5:30 a.m. sitting at the kitchen table reciting his prayers and the presence of the Rosary always in his hand even while he slept is a memory that he left to his children and grandchildren. His devotion and affection to the Blessed Virgin Mary was a source of constancy in his everyday life. If by some chance, a person was not aware of this, it would not be too long before Da would somehow bring her into the conversation and shower them with her praises.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Carmella & Donna; brothers Joseph, Edmund &Murray and his precious daughter Judith Ann.

He is survived by his sisters Theresa and Madeline; his beloved daughters Michelle, Darlene, Karen, Candace, Deanna and Nadine; his sons Nicholas, Anthony and Jordan. Most of all, he is survived by his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember him as “Poppy”.

Visitation will take place at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St, Glace Bay on Saturday, March 17 from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, March 18 at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Holy Mass will take place at Immaculate Conception Parish on Monday at 11 a.m. with Fr Daniel Boudreau presiding. Reception to follow. Burial will be in St John’s Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff at New Waterford Hospital for the loving care and kindness you showed Da during the final weeks, days and hours of his life, especially keeping the “heat up” while you suffered in agony.

In lieu of flowers, Da has asked that a prayer be said for those souls in this life and the next, especially those who are forgotten and have nobody to pray for them. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Knight of Columbus members are welcome to meet at the Funeral Home for prayers on Sunday at 7:30 pm.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

 

Requiescat in pace