Page 82 ed struggling claim stakers and pros - pectors during hard times and donated his equipment and time to people and or ganizations in the community . The list of people touched by Don’ s unrelenting generosity was very long and something he was proud of. T immins had a special plac e in his heart and whether he was on a cruise ship or on a tour of Europe, he phoned a friend every couple of days to keep up to date on all the events at home. McKinnon took every opportunity he could to tell you a story about his favourite memories. His family and friends have always enjoyed hear - ing these stories. He could be talking about an adventure in the bush or din - ner with US President Ronald Regan and his enthusiasm and passion would never falter . These stories will live on forever amongst the people who knew him best. In 1996, he was awarded the Order of Canada which is the centerpiece of Canada’ s honours system for those who have made a lifetime of contri - butions to bett er the country . He was nominated for this award for his ex - tensive ef forts to promote and im - prove the mining industry , as well as his many charitable works. He also received the Queen’ s Gold - en Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Queen’ s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 which are awarded to Canadians who have made signifcant contribu - tions and achievements. He was honoured by the city during its 100th anniversary celebrations by being named one of the 100 Faces of T immins, the people who made the greatest contribution to the develop - ment of the community . Ironically , the wall with the oil paint - ings of the portraits of the 100 people being honoured, was unveiled the day before he passed away . Of all his awards and certifc ates that he rece ived over 50 years, he was most proud of being named the Pros - pector of the Y ear for 1982. McKinnon was president or a director of numerous mining companies over the years and he remained active in mining until his sudden illness. Don instilled in his children the same values that he believed to be essen - tial to a successful life: “T o know your way around the bush as well as a board room table.” He was equally at home on Bay Street as he was in the bush. McKinnon was known by the execu - tives of nearly every major mining company but he also knew prospec - tors, claim stakers and technicians, the men and women who fnd the mines. He put loyalty before all else and he never for got a friend. The kitchen table at his Airport Road offce was where politicians, police offcers, Aboriginals, prospectors and mining executives and friends came to seek his opinion or to give him the ‘inside’ story . There were many deals made with nothing more than a hand - shake at this table and McKinnon al - ways held up his end of the deal. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Whether he was soaring in his belove d Cesna and Beaver airplanes on route to an exciting new property , or watching his three grandchildren play on the dock at the cottage, McKinnon was loving life. Cont’d from pg. 79 A wards never changed McKinnon “The Porcupine Camp” 100 Y ears of Mining Page 80