It is with immeasurable sadness that the family of Doug MacKinnon announces his passing on August 20, 2024, in Westlock, Alberta at the age of 69.
Doug is survived by his love, Sandi Montgomery of Westlock, along with her children, Rocky and Brooke, whom he cherished; and Sandi’s grandchildren, Brayden, Robert and Jack, whom he thought of as his own.
Also surviving are Doug’s brothers and sisters-in-law, Greg and Diane of Dryden and their children Jared, Megan and Chloe; and Jeff and Pamela of Calgary and their daughters, Kate and Lila.
Douglas James MacKinnon was born at the Dryden District General Hospital on April 15, 1955; the first of three boys belonging to Lawrence and Winnie MacKinnon. He was predeceased by his devoted parents, Lawrence in 2004 and Winnie in 2009.
Doug developed friendships growing up in Dryden that remained important to him through his life, among them his closest friend Bert Noble. Doug’s family is grateful for the support of his buddies and former teammates the past couple of years.
As Doug grew up he established himself as a gifted athlete. He starred for both the DHS Eagles football and hockey teams and was named male athlete of the year in 1972 while in Grade 11. When his mom refused to give her permission for him to play football his dad got her sister, Aunt Lenore, to forge her signature. The story goes that she found out he wasn’t the team manager when she heard his name on the radio after a game.
Doug played major junior hockey for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHA in 1973-74 but an accident in the spring of 1974 changed the course of his life. His ability to recover from life-threatening injuries showcased his toughness.
Doug spent the majority of his adult years in Westlock where he was known by all simply as Mac. He enjoyed coaching minor hockey in Westlock and had a long career working for Alberta Government Telephone (now Telus) before his retirement.
Cremation has taken place and as per Doug’s wishes there will be no funeral.
