Robert Wayne MacKinnon

July 20, 1932 - March 1, 2026

Wayne MacKinnon died at home in North Bay on March 1, 2026. Wayne was very much a proponent of people staying in their own homes as they aged, if they were able. We are grateful that he was. Dad was sharp right until the end, keeping abreast of politics and world events. He never lost that passion.

Robert Wayne MacKinnon, or Wayne, as he was known, was born during the Great Depression in North Bay, Ontario, on July 20, 1932. He was the youngest of six children. Wayne was born to Bob (Robert Matthew) MacKinnon (June 1, 1888 - July 27, 1932) and Katie (Katherine May) McLeod MacKinnon (August 7, 1894 - December 7, 1978). He was predeceased by all of his siblings: Kay (Katherine Madeline) MacKinnon Ashford (November 6, 1916 - November 22, 2013), Bert (John Robert) MacKinnon (November 26, 1918 - September 25, 1997), Dorie (Doris Florence) MacKinnon (September 17, 1920 - November 26, 2014), Moody (Muriel Ethel) MacKinnon Pendergast (June 25, 1923 - March 13, 2018), and Margie (Margaret Beatty) MacKinnon Holder (October 14, 1924 - April 22, 2020).

Wayne grew up at "14" McLeod Street in North Bay, surrounded by older siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles. He attended McPhail Street School, and then NBCIVS (North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School). He did his teacher training at North Bay Normal School after Grade 13, and began his teaching career in Cobalt, Ontario in the mid 1950s. After returning to North Bay, he continued to teach elementary school, King George being one of those, and served as a vice-principal.

On April 14, 1960, Wayne married Shirley Anne Wagg at St. Andrew's United Church in North Bay. Karen, Laura and Deanna joined the family in quick succession. Rod(dy) took a little longer, entering the world in 1970. Wayne was active locally in the Jaycees Service Club and teachers' federations. HIs hobbies included painting, listening to classical music and opera, curling and hockey.

Dad began teaching English, History and Geography at the secondary school level at his old high school, by then known as Algonquin Composite School. He then took on the role of Learning Materials Consultant for the Board of Education. Dad finished his teaching career at Chippewa Secondary School, where he coached boys' cross country running and played on the teachers' hockey team. Dad retired in 1987 after teaching for 36 years.

After retiring, Dad moved to Vancouver, where he lived in the West End for 30 years. He enjoyed strolling around Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park and frequent meals at the Sylvia Hotel near English Bay. He became involved in the community, joining a Scottish Country Dance group and a local committee whose aim was to save Mole Hill, the last block of heritage homes in Vancouver.

Mom visited Dad out west several times. They enjoyed attending concerts and plays together. During Dad's time in Vancouver, he would visit Ontario every two years to attend his Normal School Reunion and visit with family.

In January 2023, Dad returned to Ontario due to declining health. Dad was still active and
kept up with the world around him, but his health concerns were starting to take their toll. We are forever grateful for being a part of Dad's life.

Wayne is survived by his wife Shirley and four children: Karen Taylor (Steven, predeceased), Laura MacKinnon (Lawrence Cabana), Deanna MacKinnon and Rod MacKinnon (Katherine Beckett), as well as grandchildren Jana, Shannon, Rae, Samuel, Serena, Abigail, Alex, Charlie, Kraig, Ana, Logan, Andrea and Cassandra, as well as many nieces and nephews. Wayne also has twelve great-grandchildren, including one special little girl, Rory, who won his heart during his last years in North Bay.

Wayne's family would like to thank Sylvie Savage and the staff at the West Ferris Nurse Practitioner - Led Clinic and the staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre for their amazing patience and care while meeting his healthcare needs. Thanks also to Ian and Jody Martyn and the staff of Martyn Funeral Home for their excellent and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Friends of the CBC, or the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Saturday June 13, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Martyn Funeral Home, 464 Wyld Street, North Bay. Reception to follow.

"May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest". (Hamlet)