John Gilbert McKinney

John Gilbert McKinney, 85, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice on Friday, May 16th, 2025 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer.

John was born on July 18th, 1939 to John and Beatrice McKinney in Deloraine, MB. He grew up in Melita, MB and resided there until he joined the Canadian Navy shortly before his 18th birthday. During his Navy years he was stationed in Victoria and served on a destroyer which gave him the opportunity to travel to many different countries. Of all the places he visited, Japan was his favorite.

After he left the Navy he made his home in Victoria permanently and lived there for 60 years. John worked in the BC forest industry until he retired in 1995.

John had a kind heart and loved to help others. Over the years he developed many long lasting friendships. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him over the years (especially all of his dear friends at Colwood Lodge where he lived the last 31 years).

John was predeceased by his father and mother, step-mother Daisy McKinney, and brothers Gerald and David McKinney. 

He is survived by his sister Judi (Stan) Halter, step-sister Carol Ross, brother Kevin McKinney, sister-in-law Nancy McKinney, and several loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Colwood Lodge, 85 Belmont Road in Victoria, BC. John’s ashes will be interred at the Melita Cemetery alongside his father and step-mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Victoria Hospice (1952 Bay St, Richmond Pavilion Third Floor, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8) where he received wonderful care from the compassionate staff during the last weeks of his life.

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