Robert (Bob) Elgin McKinley, former Member of Parliament for Huron County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Huronview Nursing Home in Clinton, Ont., at the age of 94.
Bob was married for 67 years and was predeceased by his beloved wife, Audrey Elaine, in 2017. Father of five children, Diane McKinley, Dr. John McKinley (Shelagh), Deborah McKinley (Cameron), Janet Joy (Peter) and Brenda McKinley. Also survived by his six grandchildren, Jennifer (Graham), Kris (Dave), Mallory (Brad), Tyler (Christina), Carleen and Mark; four great grandchildren, James, Connor, Addison and Kiera; siblings, Anson McKinley, Jean Fanson and Berne McKinley (Doris); and sister-in-law, Alma Westlake (Robert). Predeceased by his parents, Elgin and Elsie McKinley; siblings, Harold and Mrytle; and great grandchild, Owen.
Bob was elected five times as Member of Parliament and served the people of Huron-Bruce from 1965 until retiring in 1980. During that time, he served as Chairman of the Agricultural Caucus Committee and as Conservative Whip for a number of years. Prior to entering politics, in his younger years, Bob was a hockey player in Zurich and went on to coach and co-sponsor the Hensall-Zurich Combines Junior Team to an Ontario Championship 1963-1964. During this time, Bob was involved in the family run McKinley Farms & Hatchery business, just north of Zurich, on the family homestead farm. After retiring from politics, Bob operated a successful financial business until retiring at age 70. Bob and Audrey were avid harness horse racing fans, owning and racing several horses. Bob was actively involved with the horses. Bob remained helping at the Clinton Racetrack Association well into his 80s. Bob maintained the Clinton lawns of the Lawn Bowling Club for a number of years and he and Audrey enjoyed touring around to tournaments in Ontario and when spending winters in Florida. Bob's commitment to community service and support spread throughout his many years as member of Exeter Royal Canadian Legion, Bluewater Shriners, enjoying the Shriner Mocha Horse Patrol and was a member of the Masons of the Hensall Lodge, for over 50 years, receiving his 50-year pin. He was a member of the United Church his whole life, in Goshen and Brucefield. Bob, a man of great stature, lead a very active, purposeful life and helped many people through his years of service. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be at the Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton Chapel, 153 High St., Clinton on Friday, Oct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Brucefield Community United Church, 10 London Rd., Brucefield on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service time and lunch to follow. Rev. Randy Banks officiating. Cremation to follow. Donations to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Condolences may be placed at falconerfuneralhomes.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bob McKinley.