John William MacKinnon passed away on October 23, 2017, at St. Vincent Health Care, from complications following heart surgery.
He was born in Dayton, Ohio on July 30, 1936 to Archibald and Lulu (Mossner) MacKinnon. John graduated from Withrow High School in 1954 and the University of Cincinnati in 1958, with a degree in Industrial Management. While in college, he joined the ROTC and later attended the Army’s Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA. He served in the active and Army Reserves as an Infantry Officer, for 11 years, attaining the rank of Captain.
On June 13, 1959, he married Beverly Barker, in Cincinnati, OH. They had four children, Diane, Laura, Gail and Michael.
John was employed as a smokejumper with the U.S. Forest Service in Missoula for over 6 years. The family then moved to Denver, CO., from 1963-1967 where he worked in customer relations with Samsonite Co. and then with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In 1967, he was transferred by the SBA to Helena, where he worked until retirement.
John was proceeded in death by his parents; his wife Beverly in 1975; son Captain Michael MacKinnon, who was killed in Iraq in 2005; his sister Kathy Oakley and brother-in-law Taylor Barker.
Survivors include his children, Diane (Dennis) Hulst of Helena, MT., Laura (Michael) Sullivan of Helena, MT., Gail (Carl) Maehl of Missoula, MT., daughter-in-law Bethany (Mike) Baker of Hamilton, OH., dear friend Jan Brown of Helena, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, sister-in-law Debbie Barker, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For over 40 years, he was member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Helena, serving in various capacities; National Smokejumper Association (NSA); NSA Trail Maintenance Volunteer for over 10 years; Helena School District #1 for H.O.S.T.S program volunteer for 19 years; Helena C of C Visitor Center Volunteer for over 10 years and a Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation member.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT. 59602. A reception will immediately follow at Knights of Columbus, 1867 Washington St., Helena MT. 59601. Memorials may be sent to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton, Helena, MT. 59602 or to Grateful Nation at www.gratefulnationmontana.com (a college scholarship program benefiting the children of our Montana KIA). Please see below to give the family a condolence or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday November 16, 2017
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the service
Thursday November 16, 2017
Knights of Columbus
1867 Washington St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Theresa & Mike King says
Diane, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He truly was the sweetest, soft spoken, kindest man I have ever met. He will certainly find peace and serenity now that he is in heaven with your Mom. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Love
Theresa Burgess King
Linda Kindrick says
I worked with John at the SBA. He was a very kind man and a terrific mentor. He will be missed. God bless you during this time of grief.
Kim Brown says
We are truly blessed to have gotten to know John over this past year. He was so kind, gentle, adventuresome, humble, curious about the lives of others…a gem of a man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends.
Much love,
Kim Brown and Jon Meredith
Patricia says
My condolences to the family,
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest times in a family’s life. At times like this you can be comforted by knowing that our Creator Jehovah God helps you to endure. He is close to the broken hearted and he saves those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) He is also the “Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) May He comfort you through caring friends, warm memories, and moments of peace.
flossie shaw says
MacKinnon Family
My condolences to you. John was an incredible human being and he will forever be etched in our memory. May you be comforted with all the memories he shared with you. RIP kind and gentle soul.
Larry & Joyce Nelsen1 says
Larry and I were so, so sorry to hear about John. We have know you all since Diane and Cart were babies. A good man!
Gail McKinnon says
I met your father many years ago when our children were little. What a lovely, kind, caring man your father was to your families & to those who knew you. I was honored to have met him. Your families & your father have known great grief in the loss of your mother & of your brother. It seems too soon for him to leave you here on earth but your father was greeted wholeheartedly by them. Our family wishes you comfort & support from our Lord.
Karolyne Redding says
Laura and family, I am saddened to see this. Your dad holds a special place in my heart. I saw him a couple of weeks ago out to breakfast. He was always warm and friendly although I only saw him 3 or 4 times a year. Lots of hugs and prayers for comfort for you and your family.
Lisa Waterman says
Laura, Diane, Gail and all of the Mackinnon Family,
I am so sorry and deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Papa John. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up with John in my life. He is by far the kindest, most loving man I have ever known. John’s soul will never leave us. He always left a lasting impression of genuine love and compassion for everyone he came across. He raised four of the most wonderful people in this world and he was and is so very proud of all of you. His legacy will live on through you, your children, grandchildren and many generations to come. Cherish all of the wonderful memories and know that your Dad, Mom and Michael are all together and will forever be watching over you with love from above.
May God Bless you all with much love, peace and strength during this most difficult time.
All my My love and deepest sympathy,
Lisa
Carl says
John was my best friend, although all who knew this gentle, kind and thoughtful man will claim the same. With never an unkind word for anyone, he brought happiness to all who knew him. He suffered grievous losses in life, the deaths of his beloved wife Beverly and his son Michael. United with them now, I know he’s watching over all of us who loved him. May God grant solace to his three daughters, their families and all who grieve this tremendous loss. Rest in peace, my good buddy.
Chuck Haynes says
John MacKinnon may have been the nicest person I have ever known. The day I met him, he treated me like an old friend. He seemed to be forever smiling, upbeat, positive, and optimistic, and his first concern was for others. A gracious host, he invited me to stay with him whenever I went through Helena. I took him up on his offer, and we had some good times together. He gave me the grand tour of Helena and the surrounding area and introduced me to his family. I will miss him. The world is a lesser place without him.
Dick Roehr says
We are saddened to hear of John’s death. John has been a friend for many years as we were in high school and the University of Cincinnati together. We have a lot of fond memories off John and Bev and trips to Helena. Even though we have lived many miles apart, our friendship with John was very important.
We send our sincere condolences to the family. Dick and Burton Roehr
Dwight Hiesterman says
The Mackinnon family,
We were saddened to read about John’s passing today. We will miss John at Our Redeemer’s, his bright smile and welcoming greeting were always present. I was fortunate to have met John through Michael’s Little League baseball team and our bond strengthened after Michael’s death. We send our prayers and ask that God wrap his comforting arms around you.
Dwight and Roxanne Hiesterman
Toni says
Dear Laura , Diane and Gail
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. We all loved John and he will surely be missed here on Earth. The world could use more people like him . His legacy will live on with his beautiful family. May you find peace and comfort in one another, with fond memories and knowing there is one more Angel watching over you and yours. Sending love and a hug to you sweet sisters. Toni
Edie Wheat says
Dear Laura and All your Family……..
Way too soon……. I was immediately so saddened to read in IR………..
Your Dad was one of the most genuinely kind, caring people I have ever met in my life…………
Please know that I am sending prayers your way and All your family………..
Your Dad will always be with us in Spirit…………
May Peace be with you dear Laura………
Love, Edie Wheat
Judy Broadwater says
Diane, Laura and Gail,
For all who knew your father would agree that he was one of the most sincere, genuine, and caring person they had ever met, and a wonderful loving father. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy for your loss, Judy Broadwater.
Ron Zeiler says
Saddened to hear the loss of John who was a mentor for and colleague of mine while at SBA. We sat next to one another at work and shared many stories of kids, work, jokes and life in general. One of the kindest individuals I have ever met. He always wanted to know how everyone was doing in our family and never ever complained about anything. He was such a positive person and a bigwig romodel early on in my career with SBA. RIP JOHN AND I will miss that smile and our conversations we had when we would see one another and catch up.
Ron Zeiler says
Darn typing.. was to say “big roll model”. John I know your laughing at me on this one!! Sorry.
matt &Mary Kunnary says
To the Mackinnon family – Matt & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by all.
He had such a wonderful personality and a great outlook on life. Our prayers are with your family. If we can help in any way please call us.
God Bless – Matt & Mary
Marci Lynn says
Dear Diane, Laura and Families,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your wonderful dad. I know how much he meant to you all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Steve and Marci Lynn
Brittany, David, Trent & Ivy Bell says
Dear Gail, Laura, Diane, Jan, Carl, Michael, Dennis, Bethany, all the grandchildren, relatives and all his many good friends,
We feel so blessed and are thankful to have met the MacKinnon family and their families thru (your brother/husband/uncle)Army Captain Michael Mackinnon. All of you are so warm and welcoming to new friends. John was so kind and always so sincere with asking questions on getting to know you or how you were doing…such a down to earth gentleman and always made you feel like he had time to talk with a smile on his face. Papa John will be missed so much, but so happy for him to be at peace with his eternal family. Love and prayers to you all. The Bell family
Delores Rosin says
Dear Diane, Laura, Gail & families,
Your family was one of the first people we met when moving to Helena in 1969. Your Mom & I went to church choir rehearsal together every week and quickly became good friends. I treasure memories of Bev, your Grandma Lou and your baby brother Michael (loved to baby sit him in his first months). Now we will miss your very special Father. John was such a caring, compassionate man…always interested in our family and everyone he knew. We are asking God to bless you all with comfort strength and peace as you mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Larry and Delores
John & Cherie Dahl says
To the Mackinnon family, I am Jan Brown’s brother and Cherie and I had a few meals with John & Jan earlier this year. I met John several years ago at Placer Motors and we always enjoyed our conversations! I agree with all that everyone wrote and will miss John. Thoughts and prayers with all of you. ?
Lorri Mullen says
To John’s family,
I got to know John while he was working at the front desk at Touchmark occasionally. What a wonderful man he was! He was so kind and always the first to speak when you ran into him. Please know he will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Jen Seusing says
To our dearest Montana Cousins – we will so miss Cousin John with his effervescent smile and contagious warmth. Such a true and consummate gentleman. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers on the other side of the country. Miss and love you all very much.
Xoxox Cousin Jen
Bob Reid, MSO 57 says
John and I met when we trained together as smokejumpers in 1957, but it was only in the last 15 years or so (–after we both retired from “real” careers) that we re-connected thru the NSA trails program. There’s never been a nicer guy. These past two summers he hosted me as we worked on the Mann Gulch trail project, picking me up at the airport when I flew in from Florida and insisting I stay in his guest room. In eighty years I’ve had no better friend nor known a more selfless person than John MacKinnon. See ya on the other side, buddy!
Katie Snider says
Dear Diane, Laura, Gail and Families,
We were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was such a kind, humble, and thoughtful gentleman. He had such a positive outlook on life even in the midst of sorrow. He is an inspiration to all of us. We were blessed to have such a sweet Uncle!
My favorite memories are of him and our family get together’s – so much laughter and good times throughout the years. He’ll be missed so very much. We are mourning the loss of him with you and celebrating an amazing man!
All our love,
Katie, Patrick, Jonah & Andrew
Herb Fischer says
Mike and I were Roommates in Rookie Smokejumper Training. We encouraged and supported each other throughout this demanding- and occasionally stressful- training. All the great things that have been said on this page about Mike aren’t only true, they are understatements! I made my first and last Forest Service jumps with Mike. Mike and I worked with the FAA and Northwest Airlines on the Investigation and Cleanup after Northwest crashed a DC-4 into the hills West of Missoula just after the 1960 Fire Season.
I am feeling so much regret about not being to go to Helena Wednesday. Mike, if you are looking down at us, forgive me! In the middle of a move and a bunch of other stuff and just can’t get away.
Wayne Phillips says
Diane, Laura, and Gail my thoughts and prayers are with you as we grieve the loss of your Dad. John was my friend for 55 years. Pat and I played pinocle with John and Bev and Lyle and Danny in Missoula in 1962. We corresponded and renewed our friendship when we moved to Helena in 1970, and have been good friends ever since. John was the most selfless, caring, upbeat person I ever met. It was uplifting to be around John, so I tried to visit with John whenever I was in Helena. He was always smiling and laughed easily. He directed conversations with questions about your personal life, as he was sincerely caring of others. His door was always open, and he invited me to stayover every time I visited. I sometimes did. Our smokejumper experiences and friends were always a topic we shared, as well as our growing family. It is going to be hard to go to Helena without being able to visit with John. God Bless you.
Roland Pera says
I got to know John in Missoula the year he trained which was my second year jumping. We became good friends. I was fortunate enough to renew this friendship in the last few years going on a number of work projects with him. I can unequivocally say that John was the kindest person I have ever known. He was everybody’s friend – always kind to everyone – simply a wonderful person. He was fun to hang out with, was a hard worker, and I know he loved his family. The smokejumper community will miss him a lot. My sincere condolences to the family. Your dad and your grandpa was a prince of a guy.
Jim Hagemeier MSO 57 says
I will miss Mike. We trained and jumped together for two years. In the 60s I again ran into Mike when we were both in the Army reserve unit in Denver. He reconnected me to other former jumpers living in Denver, Roger Savage and Bob Wilson. In 1986 I moved to Missoula and though the NSA trails program again renewed my friendship with Mike, only to find he had changed his name to John. It was a ongoing joke between us. He was such a humble person he didn’t want to tell his fellow jumpers his real name. We’ve always remained friends and he would often visit us in our winter home in Tucson. My wife, Gretchen, and I wish his family the best.
Betty Brewer says
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was the kindest and gentlest men I have ever known. His love for his family and friends was unending. I know that he will always be watching over all of you from Heaven above. I pray that you all gain peace in knowing that he is always watching over you and he loved you with everything he had. His family was the most important thing in his life. May you Rest In Peace John and be reunited with your son Michael who left you way too soon but made everyone proud who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sending healing prayers and hugs to family and friends. God Bless You All
Denny moreen says
We knew John because his son Mike and our son Josh wee close friends. We were always impressed with what a fine father and good guy he was. We are sorry to here of his passing.
Even though we left Helena long ago we still take about John and Mike in our family.
Denny and Judi Moreen
Sharon Holmquist Mercado says
Dear Laura and family, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your dad. I remember how you talked about him when you were in Practical nurses training and meeting him at the graduation. He seemed like such a wonderful man. I’m sure he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Sharon Holmquist Mercado
Kelsey Powell says
An old friend shared this with me just now, she ran across it by mistake. Oh my heart just broke. I’ve been asking around about him for years and come to find he passed away late last year. He was a mountain of a man. John and I worked together at the front desk of the Waterford (back when it was called the Waterford). We spent so much time talking about his life and how he lost his son at war. You could see in his eyes how much that broke him. I know I only worked with him but I truly loved him. He was such a dear dear friend of mine. I ran across him sitting alone eating breakfast one day years ago, and I pulled up a chair and sat with him for hours as we laughed about the “old days” when we used to answer phone calls and gossip about the kitchen staff ?. He used to tell me daily, literally daily, how happy he was to have a friend like me. I didn’t know back then how much that actually must have meant to him since I was only a teenager but now I see how lovely it must have been for someone like him to have a friend to visit with. I am so thankful to have known him. My heart is shattered right now. I so badly wanted to talk with him again but no one ever knew who I was talking about when I would ask around about him. You are so missed John. I truly mean that. I miss you.