It is with a breaking heart I write this obituary for my husband, Brian, my partner, my best friend, my companion, and my beloved fellow-traveller for 23 years.
Brian passed away on Tuesday, August 20, at the Ottawa General Hospital, after a short and cruel bout with cancer. He leaves, devastated by his death, his wife, Arlene MacDonald, his three daughters and their husbands, Carol and Rob (Merrickville), Rachael and Rich (Ottawa), Hilary and Teddy (Houston, Texas), and Arlene’s children, Kent and Angie (Gananoque), Erin and Martin (Ottawa). Also, ten grandchildren will remember Grandpa Brian forever…Aaron (Calgary), Caitlin (Toronto), Bethany (Halifax), Ethan (Calgary), Tanner (Houston), Owen (Ottawa), Abby (Gananoque), Ellen (Toronto), Lilly (Ottawa), and Oliver (Ottawa). Brian is also survived by his sister Joan (Edinburgh) and her three children.
Brian was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 7 1940. He received his Honours Mathematics degree at Queens University in Belfast and moved to London, England, where he worked briefly with computers. He immigrated to Canada on July 1 1966, after being recruited to teach in Cornwall, Ontario, where he embarked on what became a stellar career as a mathematics teacher, a department head, and a principal in various high schools in Cornwall and surrounding area. He was held in high esteem by everyone who worked with him.
After his retirement in 1996, Brian taught briefly at St. Lawrence College (waiting for me to retire) and, in 2001, we relocated to Medellin, Colombia, to teach at the Columbus School. Those two years changed our lives.
Since, there has been extensive travel, several house-moves, and much joy. Brian involved himself in the “five families” and in all the adventures that life presented. He was brilliant and funny and curious and daring and, above all, kind. He was a precious and loving husband, a wonderful dad, and a very, very proud grandfather.
Abiding with Brian’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Beechwood Cemetery. There will be no funeral. In the Fall, we will have a gathering for family and friends and will provide details at that time.
Donations In Memory of Brian McKinley can be made to The Ottawa Mission at: https://ottawamission.com/donate/ or to the Brockville Food Bank at: https:/www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10903
Digital Guestbook
James Perry
Judith Lowe
Cherish every special memory!! My heart and prayers are with you all.
Shauna
Loved your dad as an amazing customer of mine with Arlene always. I am strong with my emotions but Brian's passing has made less so. I have shed many a tear, many for Arlene. Those of us in Brockville are sad and in mourning. He was amazing to us. Rest in peace and thank you for your presence in our lives❤
Carole and Kevin LaPorte
Rachael and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad. We are thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
From an Irish headstone”
CATRIONA Watson (nee Beagon)
Devastated to hear of Brian’s death. He was wonderful. If anyone knows how I can get in touch with the girls, particularly Hilary, please could you let me know. Thank you. I’m living in Spain but can be contacted on 0034610811988 Thank you
My sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.