You could always count on Ron to give a heartfelt, quick-witted toast or an Irish Blessing before a meal. He was the life of the party, spinning yarns that would leave his listeners in laughter or tears, and often both.
You could always count on Ron to give a heartfelt, quick-witted toast or an Irish Blessing before a meal. He was the life of the party, spinning yarns that would leave his listeners in laughter or tears, and often both.
Ron was born in Revere, Massachusetts, to Ronald and Lillian (Keating) McKinnon. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and many beloved cousins. His family then moved to Willard Beach in South Portland, where he spent his childhood with his younger brother, Rick. He had a successful career in the insurance business, rising to VP at Norton Insurance in Brunswick. These years were exciting and fulfilling. He helped to grow the company, while also making many lifelong friends and finding joy in traveling to new places. Retirement brought on new adventures, including the fulfillment of a lifelong dream with the opening of the Merry Meeting Tavern. He loved his time there pouring drinks behind the bar! His final career - which he referred to as “His Governor Trifecta” - was working under three of Maine’s Governors as a Governor’s Account Executive in the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. He also served on the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority as the Board of Directors Treasurer and as the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Maine.
Raising five daughters was what Ron considered the greatest accomplishment of his life. He was relieved when they all married good men, and he could finally add five sons to his family. He adored and was proud of his four granddaughters and two grandsons, and was so happy in his last years to have spent time with his four great-grandsons. He loved them all very much.
Ron cherished travel and loved planning family adventures, taking his daughters on many trips over the years. He also enjoyed exploring the world with his wife, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. His trips to Ireland, though, were the most special to him. He was passionately proud of his Irish descent and felt at home in the pubs from Belfast to Kinsale.
The love of Ron’s life was Kendra (Hamilton) McKinnon. They were married for 38 years, and Ron loved to tell the tale that it took him five years to convince her to say, “I do!” They shared a love for their combined families, their many dogs, discovering new restaurants, and building three homes together. His “real retirement” brought him to Chebeague Island, Maine. He helped to renovate Kendra’s family home, creating the place they would call home for their last eight years together.
A final toast to you, Ron. Raise your tumbler of good bourbon high. “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall softly upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held on October 19th at 1pm at the Chebeague Community Church and via Zoom at:
http://www.chebeaguechurch.org/worship.html
In lieu of flowers, we would be honored to have donations made to:
Chebeague Island Council, 247 South Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017
chebeagueislandcouncil@gmail.com
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