Winfred "Mike" McKinnon

Winfred Ray McKinnon, well-known as 'Mike', 85, departed this life on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. He was a loving husband, father, and papa who will be dearly missed every day of our lives. Born in Pisgah, Arkansas on December 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Arch and Dona Mae McKinnon. Coming from this small community, he led a life that was full. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy during WWII, and enjoyed a career that spanned the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. Over an almost 30 year career, our family lived and traveled across the United States, creating adventures whose memories will never fade. One of dad's early assignments led him to Massachusetts where he met, fell in love with, and married his partner for life, our mother, Terry. After retiring from the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, our family moved to North Little Rock in 1971. Dad finished his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education from the University of Central Arkansas. He taught for the Pulaski County Special School District for 25 years, retired, then came out of retirement to serve as the Principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Marche for 2 years. He left this position to care for our sweet mother during her battle with cancer. Our mom died on May 3, 2005. Since our mother's death, dad embarked on a new phase of life, bravely finding his way for new adventure. He traveled on spiritual pilgrimages with his church friends to visit the Vatican, the Catacombs, Assisi, The Greek Isles, and the Holy Land. A special blessing was the trip to Ireland with his daughter Dona to visit our Mom's family and ancestral home. One special group of friends over the past thirty years is his supper club. Our family would like each of them to know how special they were to our mom and dad, and to us. He is survived by his children: Kevin McKinnon of Dallas, and daughters Dona Dorman of Little Rock and Liz Tingquist and her husband, Dave, of North Little Rock. Also left to cherish his memory are his 5 grandchildren: Michael Dorman and wife Veronica, of Buffalo; Mary Shannon Metrailer and husband Aaron, of Little Rock; Kelly McKinnon of Dallas; and Nick and Alex Tingquist of North Little Rock. His surviving siblings are: Louise DiPietro (Tony), Sarah Jo Peletier (Bob), Mary Biondo, and Dewey McKinnon (Ella). He is also survived by his special friend and traveling companion, Linda Ryan. Our dad leaves us with many wonderful life lessons: integrity in all things, truthfulness, moral character, compassion for the sick and suffering, generosity of spirit, and great thoughtfulness for others. Also we will cherish his love of the small blessings of life: a delicious, hearty breakfast, good conversation (preferably about a book), lively but fair political debate, and a well-mixed vodka martini on Thursday nights: "To the Dad". Our family would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to dad's healthcare team at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, especially all those who cared for him in the SICU and Long Term Care units. We dearly appreciated their physical and spiritual ministry to our dad and family. We would also like to thank his dear sister Louise and Michael and Mary Shannon's father, Tony, for their help and support throughout dad's illness. Memorials may be sent to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and the Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund in North Little Rock. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock, followed by interment at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at noon. Visitation will be at 6p Sunday, followed by a Rosary Service at 7p at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

Winfred "Mike" McKinnon

December 26, 1926 - October 17, 2012