Obituary of Roderick James MacKinnon

Roderick James (Jim Rod) MacKinnon

We are saddened to announce the death of Jim Rod MacKinnon, which occurred at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish on Friday, January 5, 2024. He was born October 16, 1944, in Cape Breton but raised from a very young age in St. Francis Harbour and Mulgrave (Pirate’s Harbour), where for almost 50 years he was loved and cared for by his foster mother Mary Belle Kelly and her extended family. He spent many happy years in Mulgrave, developing his hobbies of music and art. He loved cars and was always willing to provide transportation for those in need. He was employed as a stevedore and a fish plant worker in Mulgrave.

Jim moved to Antigonish in 1995, where he was a beloved resident of Celtic Community Homes. Staff and residents will greatly miss the “Captain’s” stories of when he was younger, his quick sense of humour and any cooking tips he would impart to staff. He would proudly leave his rocking chair to show visitors both his house plants and his paintings. He was a soft spoken, gentle man of faith who shared his love of music with church choirs at St. Lawrence in Mulgrave and later St. Ninian’s in Antigonish. He volunteered at the Antigonish Food Bank for many years, and also attended art classes at the RK MacDonald Nursing Home with his companion, Mary Ellen Tramble.

Jim Rod was predeceased by foster mother, Mary Belle Kelly; foster sisters Catherine Martin and Margaret Meagher; and long-time friend Mary Ellen Tramble. Left to mourn are his foster nieces and nephews Elaine, Jim, Tom, Lorraine, Monica, Gerard, Jacinta, Maurice and Lucia and their families. A graveside service will be held in Mulgrave in the spring.

The family is very appreciative of the care and friendship provided by the staff and residents of Celtic Community Homes.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.  

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