McKinnon, David “Dave”

David “Dave” Bruce McKinnon Aug. 13, 1949 – Jan.15, 2026. Firstborn and only son of Eugene “Gene” McKinnon and Berneda McKinnon was born on his mother’s nineteenth birthday in Shelburne, Ontario. He was the eldest brother to Debra, Donna and Diana. When he was five years old, he bonded with his grandfather William McKinnon and his granduncle Jay McKinnon on Bar-M Farm in Singhampton, Ontario. There he would spend weekends and summers with these two men and eventually moved in with them during his adolescence. In 1969, he met Catherine Leigh Thompson at McIntyre United Church and told his grandfather that he would marry that girl, only to be told by his grandfather that Donald Thompson would never let a wild young man like him date or marry one of his daughters. Yet, he persuaded her father and married Catherine on Oct. 10, 1970. They enjoyed 55 years together. Seven years later, they became parents first with Eugene “Gene,” then Daniel “Dan” in 1980 and Bradley “Brad” in 1983. Having left school at the age of 16, he worked as an operating engineer, driving the same loader for Armbro Construction for 19 years. His passion for construction could have been the inspiration behind the character Mr. Bull on the popular children’s show Peppa Pig. His mantra for construction was, “Water must get away.” He loved farming, first on a two-acre severance and later buying Bar-M Farm in 1988. There he owned five horses, raised cattle, chickens, pigs, turkeys, laying hens and ducks. He also had vast vegetable gardens and flowerbeds, which he lovingly tended alongside his Cath for 56 years. During winters, when he was laid off, he would spend the cold, dark months helping his cows give birth, removing snow and cooking amazing dinners inspired by James Barber’s Urban Peasant show on CBC TV. He was a supportive father, encouraging Gene, Dan and Brad to pursue their dreams. A loving father-in-law to Katie (Gene), Leslie (Dan) and Morgan (Brad). And a proud grandfather to Charlie, Simon, Ryker, Liam and Kaleigh. Always present at every baptism, wedding, funeral, anniversary, sporting event and village event. He loved his village and his people. An avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, he never missed a broadcast. On Jan. 15, 2026, he triumphed over his cancer. His soul went to be with God, but he will live forever in the memories of his wife Catherine, three sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sisters, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and he will be interred in the Singhampton Cemetery. There will also be a celebration of life in July on Bar-M Farm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Singhampton Park via e-transfer to singhamptonfire@gmail.com. Friends may visit Dave’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com.