Obituary of James "Elliott" MacKinnon

James Elliott (Elliott) MacKinnon - Age 96, of Bridgewater, Lunenburg County, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 7th at home.

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of James Elliott (Elliott) MacKinnon. Elliott was born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA on May 26th, 1929. Elliott was the son of the late James and Berta (Ross) MacKinnon.

The family moved to a farm at Seafoam, Pictou County on Nova Scotia’s Sunrise Trail overlooking the Northumberland Strait when Elliott was ten. He graduated from Pictou Academy.

In his 20s and 30s, Elliott had a number of jobs, including working on the family farm, at the lobster pound in Toney River, at CFB Shearwater, and at the US Airforce Base in Labrador City. He was an excellent athlete in many sports including baseball, hockey, golf, tug-of-war and bowling.

While living in Truro, he met Shirley Bushen, a young schoolteacher originally from Lunenburg County and they got married in 1968 in Sydney and moved to New Glasgow. In 1971, their son Neil was born, and they soon relocated back to Truro.

Elliott had a long and distinguished career in public service, initially working with differently abled children at the Nova Scotia Youth Training Center in Bible Hill and then as a Family Court Officer in Truro and New Glasgow. He retired in 1986, and the family moved to Bridgewater. After retirement, he volunteered in a number of capacities including driving the Bookmobile for the South Shore Regional Library and as a Commissionaire.

While he did not attend university, he had a strong intellect, with a deep knowledge of geography, history, and world affairs. He was an avid reader, especially of World War II history. He was an excellent public speaker and a gifted storyteller.

He maintained his physical fitness well into his 90s as an active walker and doing daily calisthenics.

Elliott’s Christian faith was his foundation, and he was always ready to share his faith with others. He served as a Gideon, a Deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Truro, in a men’s choir, and was involved with both Bridgewater Open Bible Church and Bridgwater Baptist Church. He helped organize church services for several years at Drumlin Hills. He would occasionally give guest sermons. He had full confidence of an eternal home in heaven with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In his later years, he embraced the role as grandfather to his three granddaughters, known lovingly to them as “Papa.” He cheered them on in their Scottish highland dancing and other activities and, after they moved to the US, he looked forward to their annual summer vacations to Prince Edward Island, Pictou Lodge, and to the South Shore.

Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Shirley Mae (Bushen) MacKinnon; son, Neil (Leanne) MacKinnon, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; granddaughters, Breagh Helen MacKinnon, Athens, Georgia; Ashlynn Mae MacKinnon, Athens, Georgia; and Kaylee Jo MacKinnon, Athens, Georgia.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, George, and three sisters, Jean, Joyce, and Leona.

By personal request there will be no visitation at the funeral home. No flowers please. A celebration of Elliott’s life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, October 11 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater with Rev. Aaron Kenny officiating. There will be a reception following the service at the funeral home. A private family interment will occur at a later date at Brookside Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Bridgewater Baptist Church, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, PO Box 248, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.