Longtime horseperson Donald 'Donnie' Robert MacKinnon passed suddenly early Saturday morning, Dec. 30 at his residence in Sydney, N.S.

A father, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by many, and especially his friends who often gathered at 'Robins,' in Sydney, whom he held the highest regard. Also, his dart buddies in Sydney.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, Donald 'The Boo' and Anna MacKinnon of New Waterford.

Left to mourn are his precious daughter, Hailey, whom he cherished; his sister, Kay Currie (Sheldon); and his brother, Johnnie (Debbie). 

Kay's daughters, with whom Donnie lived with for a number of years while the girls were very young, and as such shared a special bond. Along with both nieces, Anna Coady (Nick) of Ajax, Ont., and Lindsay (Aaron Ross), of New Waterford, Donnie leaves behind his grandnephew, Cole Coady and his grandniece, Charlee Ross. 'Uncle Donnie' is also survived by nephews, Lyle MacKinnon (Danielle Lamey) of New Waterford and Aaron MacKinnon (Kristin) and his grandniece, Lillian MacKinnon, New Brunswick. Donnie also will be sorely missed by his best buddy, confidant, and practically lifetime friend, John Jessome.

Donnie had a lifetime love of animals, most especially his passion for Standardbred horses. Horses, and 'the races,' along with the many horsemen he befriended over the years, were the things he spoke ever so fondly of.

The family is thankful they got to spend a lovely Christmas together shortly before his untimely passing.

Donnie's remains have been entrusted to the care of Basil (whom Donnie held great respect for as a former employee) and the staff of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, New Waterford. Father Jim Oliver officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nova Scotia SPCA - Cape Breton Shelter. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at the V.J. McGillivray website.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Donnie MacKinnon.