Don E. McKinnon, 61, died Friday, June 17, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT.
He was born in Lewistown on April 6, 1950 to Dora and Carl Barrick.
After Carl’s death, when Don was six, his mother met and married LeRoy McKinnon. LeRoy adopted both Don and his younger sister Twila as his own. Don was always proud to say that he had two wonderful fathers in his life.
Don attended Lewistown schools and graduated from the University of Montana with a B.A. in Economics. Having always loved the outdoors, Don began working for the U.S. Forest Service during his college years; first as a Fire Tower Lookout and then as a forest fire fighter in Montana. He also spent two fire seasons in Alaska. Don continued his F.S. career with various positions, all dealing with fire and timber. His last appointment was in the Regional Office, Missoula, as a Regional Timber Appraisal & Measurement Specialist. He retired in 2005 with 36 years; “a long, successful career,” as he quoted. After that, he filled his time working as a courtesy shuttle driver for Chevy, a flower delivery person for Knox Flowers, a fill-in RMDC Senior Citizens and Meal on Wheels bus driver, and Capital City Optimist club member until his failing health and diagnosis of bladder cancer in May 2010 prevented him from continuing. Don was many things; humorous, good natured and brilliant. He had an excellent memory, which served him well over the years.
His family was his top priority and he lived his life devoted to that goal. Don was the best husband and father that a man could be. He rejoiced in being a grandpa. In 1975, Don met Gail in Libby, MT. They married in 1977 and celebrated 34 years in April.
Don was much loved and will be missed without measure.
Don was preceded in death by his fathers, Carl Barrick and LeRoy McKinnon; mother, Dora McKinnon; wonderful grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles on each of his parent’s sides.
He is survived by his wife, Gail McKinnon of Helena; daughter, Leigh McKinnon (Jason Wood) of East Helena; son, Park (Crystal) McKinnon of Helena; and precious grandchildren, Jae and Tai Wood and baby McKinnon. He is also survived by sisters, Twila (Wes) Delaney of Polson, MT and Arlene McKinnon of Port Townsend, WA; sister-in-law, Hollie (Mike) Sanchez of Seal Beach, CA; nephews, Jason (Char) Delaney of Golden, CO, Kyle Delaney of Polson, Brandon (Maricela) Sanchez of Orange, CA; nieces, Kelsie Delaney of Polson and Stephanie (Ken) Barnard of Laguna Beach, CA; great-nieces, Morgan and Quinn Delaney, Kirstin and Katie Barnard; and great-nephew, Benjamin Sanchez.
In lieu of flowers, an Education Fund has been set up for Don’s grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Don McKinnon Educational Fund at U.S. Bank in Helena.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home has handled Don’s cremation. A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Beth Johnson says
I met Don at Bowsers a few years back. I so enjoyed talking with him as he was very funny, and had so much to offer in conversation. I have miissed seeing him this last year and shall remember him always. Peace Beth
Bob Parker says
Gail and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bob Parker
Carole, John & Caitlin Sowden says
Gail, Leigh & Park – We were saddened to read of Don’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
cindy dushin says
Gail and family, I am so sorry for your loss at this time. Remember all the good times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denis Hart says
Were gonna miss you, old buddy. Now your’e free and can do anything you want.
Dennis Elliott says
The first year I was out of the (military) service Don and I worked at Raven Ranger Station on the Kootenai. We crossed paths periodically over the years as friends do in the Forest Service and finally served at the same time at the end of our respective careers in the Ragional Office. Don was a good friend and a sincere and loyal Forest Service employee. It is said that it’s not how many people you know in your life, it’s how many of them are glad you did. Don comes up aces in that comparison.
Donna Hathy says
Dear Gail and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my sympathy.
Donna Hathy and Calli Nickel
Ed & Eva Maffei says
Gail & Family, Our sympathies are with you at this time of sorrow. Don is now at peace after his long battle.
Gary V. Scales says
The family of Gary V.Scales(Erin and Vincent), cousin to Don,wishes to express its sympathy to Don’s family in this difficult time.
George Panek says
Please accept my sincerest condolences! I worked with Don from January 1989 to about 1998 when I was on the Lewis & Clark and Helena NF. He was very down to earth, had a lot of common sense, and a sharp wit. I enjoyed our many conversations together. He was a good friend. He was the best of men. We take into ourselves a
part of all who we have met and so I am glad that Don will always be a part of me, as he is a part of all of the many others he has touched over the years. Be at peace Don.
Glenn Boles says
it was an honor to have had the privledge to have worked with don even had a cold one or two a time or two what a wonderful spirit and a giving man to the family god bless and you are stronger to of had this man in your life my prayers are with you
John & Nancy Wagner says
Dear Gail & Family,
We just received The Montanan today listing Don’s death. I tried to call but I’m not sure it’s still your number. We are sorry we have been out of touch; haven’t sent Christmas cards since 2005. Don was a good man and a great friend. We’re sure you all miss him. Had we known we certainly would have come to the service. Keeping you in our prayers.
Nancy & John
john ilgenfritz says
Gail, Just learned of Don’s passing. Words are so inadequate, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts. John & Sheena
Larry and Janet Scholl says
Gail and Family,
Don and I are cousins. We were so sorry to hear about his passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mary Kay Haugen says
I was so saddened to read about Don’s passing. I didn’t know him well but what I do remember is how fun he was and so very nice. My sympathies to all his family and friends.
Sharon Sargeson says
Gail, My prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Sargeson says
Shawna Amberg says
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the privlege of working with Don at RMDC. He was always very upbeat and smiling and willing to fill in when ever we were short staffed. He will be missed!
Tim & Patt Hancock says
I am glad your long battle is over. Good man with a great heart for life and his family. Best darn Air Operations guy in the Northern Rockies and one heck of a friend. Gonna miss ya Don.
Tom Clifford says
I just heard of Don passing. I’ll miss his sense of humor but most I’ll always remember his wise counsel be it on the fireline, next to a skidder in the woods or inside a courtroom discussing some idiot enviromentalist. His counsel was always deliveried professionally with a good bit of humor allowing it to both sink in and go down easy.
Don is the complete forester i miss him!
Tai Wood says
love you grandma