(February 19, 1958 - August 14, 2021)
It is with the deepest of regrets that we announce the passing of Dale Lawrence McKinnon on Saturday, August 14, 2021. Dale passed away peacefully at the Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury, ON. Dale is survived by his mother Elizebeth McKinnon (father Donald deceased) and six siblings, Dawn Poulin (Gil predeceased), Dean McKinnon (Fran), Debi Fram (Gord), Drew McKinnon (Cindy), Dori O’Kane (Pat) and Dyan Pyott (Kevin) and his many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Dale was a much loved son, brother and uncle. He was a very avid sportsperson and gifted individual who achieved many accomplishments throughout his life. He graduated from McGill University with his Masters in Mining Engineering specializing in Ventilation and was a fraternity member of Alpha Delta Phi. He has held professorial positions at both McGill and Laurentian Universities. Dale’s specialties (from various positions held at several companies in Leaf Rapids, Montreal, Toronto Area and Sudbury) included project management, engineering and communication. Dale moved to Virginia and held the position of Executive Director at MECA (Manufacturers of Emission Control Association) for 12 years where he traveled the world supporting environmental regulatory programs. Dale has authored a number of published technical reports and has worked internationally with many groups including the United Nations. His travels brought him to over 25 countries including many in North, South, and Central America, Europe, and Asia. During his retirement he pursued his lifelong ambition of authoring fiction novels and proudly has five published novels. We love you Dale and are very proud of you. You will be deeply missed. We would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful staff at Maison McCulloch Hospice for treating Dale with the utmost respect and dignity during his time with them. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Donations in Dale’s memory may be made directly to the Maison McCulloch Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. Dale was a year ahead of me in the McGill Mining Engineering program. I especially remember he was great at playing flag football. Our paths crossed a few times at conventions and other events since graduation and he was always very nice to me. My sincere condolences to the McKinnon family.
September 29, 2021
We are sorry so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. We were good friends with Dale when Neil was a professor at McGill and had hoped to visit him on our return to Canada. Unfortunately, Covid got in the way and we shall no longer have that opportunity.
Our heartfelt condolences to you all.
September 1, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He was a great friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the McKinnon family.
August 22, 2021
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss,
I was fortunate to have started my professional career working with Dale in Montreal. A few intense projects, often requiring late nights to meet deadlines, travelling to mines across Canada – Dale taught me the value of integrity, attention to details, the need for flair during technical presentations and the importance of relationships with operators. I hope that I have been able to pass along some of these values to people who have worked with me. Dale was a great boss and a good friend.
August 19, 2021
My condolences to Dale’s family. Rest in peace my brilliant, kind, funny friend.
August 19, 2021
My condolences to Dale’s family. I was a friend from high school. Dale was always kind-hearted and easy going. A few years ago, Chris (Moores/Warus) told me that Dale was writing fiction. I was able to download one of his books and was quite impressed. I wish I had reached out to let him know that.
August 18, 2021
Aunt Betty Lou and the McKinnon clan:
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Dale. His accomplishments are impressive to say the least and we know how proud you are of him. We have many fond memories of our times together when you all lived in Hamilton, or our trips up to Sudbury or out to the cottage on Manitoulin. Rest assured that he is with his farther Deaner, nan and gramps, Gil, and his Cousin Paul. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
August 17, 2021
To the McKinnon Family – We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Dale. Reading of his many accomplishments, it is clear how proud you all were of him and how much he was loved by his family and friends. We hope you will all find some peace now that he is at rest. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences are with you at this time.
Godspeed Dale
Love Joe and Ann Di Paola
August 17, 2021
I was extremely saddened to learn that Dale had passed away. I went to school with Dale at McGill in the late 1970’s. We were on the mining engineering flagball team together, which won the 1978 McGill engineering flagball championship. Dale was a great guy.
I wish to express my sincere condolences to Dale’s family. May he rest in peace.
Bob Barclay, Sudbury
August 17, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to all during this sad time. My heart is broken for all of you. Dale was an exceptional man. I have so many memories of him growing up. He will be missed.
August 17, 2021
Sorry for your loss Diane and your family
August 17, 2021
Mrs McKinnon and family,
No words can express our heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
August 16, 2021
Dear family
I was immensely fortunate to meet Dale during my first year as a mining engineering student in 1977. We were all so young and and filled with life. I was quite intimidated by being one of two girls in the class that year and I remember Dale’s kindness and easy-going attitude. He made me feel welcome and relaxed and a member of the team. My first work experience after graduation was in Leaf Rapids where Dale was also working and again I have fond memories of him and life in this isolated northern Manitoba community. Dale was a gentleman, a fantastic human being and even though we lost touch over the years I feel fortunate to have counted him as a friend.
To all his close family and friends I extend my sincere condolences. You will be missed Dale. Véronique Falmagne
August 16, 2021
Betty and family, our deepest condolences for your loss. Dale was so accomplished and I know you are all proud of him-many happy memories to remember.
Ron and Carol
August 16, 2021