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Roderick ‘Rocky’ McKinnon, 67, passed away on August 24, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice surrounded by his family. Born in Iona, Cape Breton, Rocky grew up in London, Ontario, and settled in Sarnia where he raised his family. He is deeply missed by his wife and best friend Leslie, their six children Pat (Varshinie), Claire (Eric), Grace (David), Joseph (Madeleine), Jude, and James, and five grandchildren Henry, Rose, Florence, and Adele, with another on the way. Preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Betty, and sister Anne, Rocky was a loving friend to his siblings Jonathan (Suzanne), Bob (Jeannie), Chris (Eugene), Ainslie (Karen), and Ian (Bianca), his nieces and nephews, in-laws, and many others. He had a deep bond with his mother-in-law Elaine, and late father-in-law Jim (2014), fostered over many years of friendship. Rocky had a profound love for his Catholic faith, the practice of which formed the bedrock of his life. Following a late-stage cancer diagnosis ten years ago he was given six months to live, and since then he has served as an exceptional witness to fortitude and faith. Rocky was always cracking jokes (some better than others) and never let facts get in the way of a good story. He lived with an irrepressible positivity and zest for life. He was a charitable and forgiving person incapable of holding a grudge, yet never backed down from a brawl. He had an unparalleled work ethic, finding joy in creating things of both function and beauty - from building homes to writing poems. He insisted on working until his last days and leaves behind an extensive array of accomplishments that live on around Sarnia and in the homes of his family and friends. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 390 Christina St. N. Sarnia, on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sarnia. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please).