We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Paul Anthony McKinnon, CD (Ret’d) of the Sandstone Chesapeake Charlottetown, peacefully on 25 May 2023 in his 93rd year.
Paul was born in Douglastown, NB and was the seventh son of the seventh son. He left New Brunswick at age 16 and travelled to Ontario to seek fame and fortune. Paul enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces and proudly served his country in Churchill MB, overseas in Germany, and at Number 5 Depot in Moncton NB.
After he retired from the Canadian Forces, Paul accepted a position as Fire Chief with the Ministry of Transport at the Charlottetown Airport. He purchased the Skyeglen Farm in Clyde River, and his love of horses and the harness racing industry flourished there. Paul became director of the United States Trotting Association and remained Director Emeritus until his passing. Some of his passions were ice racing on the North River Causeway, matinee racing at Pinette and catching the last ferry after racing at Brunswick Downs in Moncton. He was instrumental in helping many horsemen receive their Driver and Trainer Licenses under his supervision and tutelage, including the top male and female drivers in Canada. He developed lifelong friendships with horsemen in the Maritimes and across Canada and the United States. Paul was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served on the Executive of Kingston Branch 30 in New Haven.
Resting at Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, 27 May 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with interment at St. Martin de Tours Cemetery, Cumberland, PEI. Visitation is on Friday, 26 May, from 4-6:00 p.m. with a Royal Canadian Legion prayer service starting at 3:45 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to the St. Martins of Tours Fiona Steeple repair Fund or the Last Post Fund. Flowers gratefully declined. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
