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LORNE ANGUS MCKINNEY
Born: Apr 26, 1940
Date of Passing: May 08, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLORNE ANGUS MCKINNEY
After a brief illness, it is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and friend, Lorne McKinney on Friday, May 8, 2026 in Minnedosa Hospital, Palliative Care Unit. He was born April 26, 1940 on the family farm homestead, on “McKinney Road” south of Boissevain, MB.
He was predeceased by: father, Douglas McKinney; mother, Minnie McKinney; brother, Earl McKinney; ex-wife Barbara McKinney; son-in-law, Blaine Krewshewski; daughter-in-law, Christine McKinney and close friend Maureen Bulger.
Lorne is survived by children, Vernon, Loreen (Michael), and Sharlyn (Blair) and grandchildren, Drew, Evan, Melissa and Connor.
Raised on the homestead, Lorne went to Lake Mac School where he made many lifelong friends and learned at an early age the importance of responsibility, and what-ever task, chore or obstacle that faced him; he tackled it with great care, enthusiasm and tenacity.
In 1956, at 16 years old, he proudly purchased his very first car from Dr. F.V. Bird, of Boissevain, MB. A 1929 Model A Ford, which he cherished, loved and kept his whole life. This car allowed him to start a part-time job working at King’s Grocery Store in Boissevain, stocking shelves and weighing candies at Christmas. Many years later he restored and proudly drove it in the Turtle Derby Parade.
On May 1, 1958 he started a 37.5 year career with Manitoba Highways Department where, he again, made everlasting lifelong friends as he thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in the building of many of the “Good Roads” that you drive on today. At this time, he taught himself the importance of many different grades of gravel, taking that knowledge the rest of his life as to how to slope, grade & level anything like an expert.
In 1960, he married Barbara Bozek and had three children together. Over the years, they lived in The Pas, Birtle, Brandon and then settling in Minnedosa. In 1989, they parted ways. Years later he found close friend, Maureen Bulger with whom he enjoyed spending his time with.
In August of 2008, he contracted West Nile disease which left him paralyzed to his right leg, confining him to a wheelchair the rest of his life. He took this lifestyle change as just another challenge. It didn’t hold him back or discourage him as he faced it with sheer determination to create a life of somewhat normalcy; ranging from acquiring the necessary transportation, the adaptations of household living and the entry/exit solutions to safely utilize a couple of the most important items in his life: the skid steer and ride on lawn mower. He was a master at both and his expertise was in high demand for landscaping, drilling fence post holes or grading spots of land that others found difficult to complete.
For many years, with the Skid steer in tow, he was involved in the preparation of Classic Rock/Rockin’ the Fields weekend in Minnedosa and, simultaneously, on the same exciting weekend hosting and welcoming numerous friends and family for years of “highly sought-after camping spots” on his property. He really looked forward to that weekend, making sure his “campers” were set up with everything they needed and were happy to enjoy their musical weekend secure and stress free.
In his retirement years he was involved with working for the community, Services to Seniors, painting fences, yard work or anything that needed to be completed.
For a number of years, with his wheelchair, Lorne escaped the cold Manitoba winters for warmer temps to Penticton, BC where his brother Earl and his family lived. There, they made him feel welcome and included. He made numerous friends there and thoroughly enjoyed his winters snow free.
Lorne enjoyed his primary residence “#1, the corner” for spring, summer and fall. For the rest of the year, he also enjoyed his “#7, Legion Garden suite” for the colder winter months when he could no longer travel to BC.
In his down-time, he loved reading anything astronomy or non-fiction related; feeding the birds & hummingbirds and always trying to outwit, outlast or outplay the pesky raccoons that were persistent at enjoying his bird seeds whenever the opportunity arose.
Always happy and joyful with a smile on his face he was fiercely independent. He could design, make, build, or modify anything to make his or anyone’s life just that little bit easier.
He will always be remembered for having a story to tell or a history anecdote to share. His sharp wit and insightful humour he kept with him until his final day, along with his love for his family.
Special thanks to Dr. Elgheriani and Dr. Onyshko and staff of Minnedosa Hospital and Palliative Care Unit including Kara Flamond, CRN Regional Palliative Care Program.
Thanks to everyone who travelled near and far to come visit Lorne when he was sick. He really looked forward to and enjoyed the reminiscing of good times and happy memories. You definitely put a smile on his face and added color back to his cheeks.
A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held for Lorne in Minnedosa and then a private graveside service will be held in Boissevain at a later date.
Straight ahead Dad, straight ahead!
Until we meet again.
Per Lorne’s wishes, donations can be made to Minnedosa HandiVan.
As published in Brandon Sun on May 23, 2026
