Obituary of Minnie MacKinnon
In Loving Memory Of Minnie (Nygard) MacKinnon
Minnie was born in Wadena Hospital to Hans and Minnie Nygard. She was the second child, younger sister to Edward, and would become big sister to two more girls, Berit and Gerda. Minnie loved growing up on the farm, and spent as much time outdoors as possible. In her high school years, Minnie distinguished herself as a clutch baseball player, helping her school team win the tournament in Kelvington in her senior year with a bases loaded home run.
After graduating high school, Minnie began her career in bookkeeping as an office clerk for Wadena Motors. In 1951 she and Berit moved to Regina and then further away to Hamilton Ontario, where Minnie continued her career as a bookkeeper at General Motors. In Hamilton she met Keith MacKinnon at a dance, eyes meeting across the crowded dance floor. Soon they were married, and welcomed their first daughter Sharon while living in Hamilton. But Minnie always was a prairie girl at heart, so they moved their young family to Saskatoon.
In 1958, Minnie began bookkeeping at Birney’s Hardware & Sporting Goods on Avenue A South. Their family grew to include two more daughters, Sandra and Shelley. The family enjoyed many weekend trips to Wadena, camping, fishing, hunting and socializing with family and friends. Minnie gained a wonderful friend in her sister in law Diane. In 1971 Keith and Minnie purchased the house at 602 Walmer Road, which became well known as a hub of hospitality. Sadly, their marriage ended, but Keith and Minnie remained on good terms until his death in 2011.
In 1974, Minnie continued her career as bookkeeper and office manager at Imperial Oil, Atlas Supply Company. It was also around that time that she returned to her faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She had been baptized as a young teen, along with her lifelong friend Elaine (Enderud) Nakrayko. Minnie’s faith was very important to her, and she quickly became an active member of the Riversdale Congregation, where she developed many close and enduring friendships. She also cultivated an impressive perennial flower garden in her yard, and spent many happy hours taking care of her plants and trees. The family grew from 3 daughters to include 5 granddaughters, 2 great granddaughters, and finally 3 great grandsons!
At 65, Minnie retired from working full time for over 40 years. Instead of slowing down, she turned her energy to helping others, joining the full time ministry. This second act of her life was another opportunity to enjoy deep friendships. Her energy, enthusiasm, and love for people endeared her to everyone she met. She enjoyed attending pioneer school twice in Saskatoon. Her life changed again when at 81 years young, she sold her beloved house and moved to Regina. There she gained more friends, continued pioneering and helping others as she could, and attended pioneer school 2 more times.
In October 2021, Minnie moved to Harbour Landing Village, and she was also diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. She was no longer able to live the full life she had always enjoyed so much, but her faith made her confident that she would be remembered by her Father Jehovah. She believed the verse she read many times to comfort others, “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Minnie spent the last 7 months of her life in the Watson Quill Plains Lodge. She often joined in the activities, especially enjoying t-ball and word games. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers who showed such kindness and care. She passed away peacefully after a short illness.
Minnie was predeceased by her: father Hans Nygard and mother Minnie Nygard; brother Edward Nygard; sister-in-law Diane Nygard; brothers-in-law Wally Winarsky and Bill Eskowich; and ex-husband Keith MacKinnon. She is lovingly remembered by daughters Sharon MacKinnon, Sandra Hrytzak, Shelley (Kurt) Kowalyk; granddaughters Alison (Jason) Nakrayko, Ashley (Braden) Beaven, Erin (Cohl) Muntain, Kelsey (Wes) Mierke, Brooklynne Kowalyk; great grandchildren Kohlby Beaven, Connor Beaven, Cooper Beaven, Ever Muntain, Evie Muntain; sisters Berit Winarsky and Gerda Eskowich; many nieces and nephews and countless dear friends.
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Kingdom Hall Complex
2020 Van Egmond Place
Regina, SK
Those wishing to send cards
of caring & sympathy may send them to
The Family of Minnie MacKinnon
P.O. Box 729
Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0
Donations in memory of Minnie
may be made to a
charity of one’s choice.
