Malcolm "Mel" A. McKinnon

Memorial services for Mel McKinnon of Leavenworth, Washington, and formerly of Williams, MN, will be held on Friday, May 15th at 2 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williams, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service with Interment at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Williams.

Malcolm “Mel” Allen McKinnon passed away unexpectedly at home in Leavenworth, WA on March 26, 2015. Malcolm was the youngest of nine children born to Paul and Ida (McIntyre) McKinnon of Williams. He was born January 15, 1939. He attended school in Williams, graduating in 1957.

After graduating from high school, Mel enlisted in the Army in 1959. He served in Germany and while there was sent to France where he assembled nuclear warhead placement on “Honest John” rockets. He had many stories to tell of this experience including how since that time Mel had trouble walking through airport security machines and setting off radioactive alarms.

Upon his discharge Mel worked in Williams as a bartender and also in the woods with his dad. In 1964 Mel went out west and joined his older brother Sandy’s Hi-line crew and became a journeyman lineman. Mel built high voltage transmission lines along with large sub stations for the Henkels and McCoy Company as a Substation Line Business Manager. He not only estimated and prepared bids but also supervised the construction of each job. Mel continued doing this up until the day of his death. On that last day, Mel had just completed a bid projection in the state of Hawaii. He had a sterling reputation as one of the top builders on substations in the Pacific Northwest. Because of his reputation, he was awarded many jobs even when he was not the lowest bidder.

Malcolm is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mae (husband Melford Olson), Florence (husband Levi Anderson); brothers William (wife Victoria), Gordon “Sandy” (wife Wanda), John (wife Bonnie); along with three nephews and three nieces. He is survived by his wife Ev (McGowan), sister Peggy (husband Gerald Pearson), brothers Paul (wife Dolores) and Dan (wife Elouise). Also surviving are many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Mel was a friend to everyone and a regular at Back Home Days and will be sorely missed.

 Service Information