Obituary of Claude MacKinnon

It is with much sadness but with an appreciation for a full life, that the family of Claude MacKinnon also known as “Papa” and “Coach” to many, beloved husband of the late Betty Jane (Hanson) MacKinnon, sadly announce his sudden passing which occurred on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  Born on March 6, 1938 in Glace Bay, NS, he was a son of the late Harold and Mary (O’Keefe) MacKinnon.

In his earlier years, Claude was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force.  He was a professional civil engineer and retired as the Commissioner of Works for the city of Saint John.  Claude was a skilled athlete and played both hockey and football for St. Francis Xavier and UNB universities.  Within his community, he played hockey with the Saint John Beavers, the Irving Oilers and with the Moosehead Oldtimers.  He was a past president of the New Brunswick Hockey Association, a past vice-president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and a past vice-president of the Canada Games.  Most of all, he looked forward to the times spent with his loved ones at the family cottage on Yoho Lake.  He will be deeply missed.

Claude will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Michael MacKinnon (Mylene Drapeau), Peter MacKinnon (Annette) and Tim MacKinnon (Brenda); siblings, Elaine McGillivray, Shiela Yates, Bill MacKinnon (Sharon), Patricia MacKinnon (Suzi), Mary Clare MacKinnon (Jerry) and Anna Marie MacKinnon; grandchildren, Erin McAleenan, Jessa Hussey, Ryan MacKinnon, Spencer Hussey, Lindsay MacKinnon and Rachel MacKinnon; as well as several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Harold MacKinnon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius X Church), 316 Somerset Street, Saint John on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to a charity of one’s choice.