Donald Gordon McKinnon of Wilton passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 4, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He is survived by his wife, Cooky; his daughter, Kimberly (Jason Witty); his brother, Bruce; and his goddaughter, Stephanie (Chris Guardino); and was a very proud Papa to his grandchildren, Caitlin and Ryan Witty, and Samantha and Jack Guardino, each of whom he loved very deeply.
Don was born on Aug. 14, 1946, in Queens, NY, to Alexander and Edythe McKinnon, and was one of five children. After marrying the love of his life, Cooky, Donald earned his masters in mathematics and his actuarial license, and he went on to build a long and successful career with William M. Mercer. His work brought his family from Long Island to Wilton in 1980, when he was selected to open Mercer’s first Connecticut office. He ultimately retired as a Worldwide Partner, a reflection not only of his professional skill but of the trust people placed in him.
Family was always at the center of Donald’s life. He treasured traveling with them throughout the United States and abroad, and he felt especially at peace at Squam Lake in New Hampshire. That was his happy place, and those who knew him will always associate him with that quiet, beautiful spot.
Donald was a man of wide interests and a curious mind. Over the years he enjoyed astronomy, golf, coin collecting, gardening, cycling, running and chess, to name a few. It was common to find him relaxing with a book on physics or another subject that fed his lifelong desire to learn. Friends and family knew him as kind, generous, thoughtful and remarkably steady. If you needed level-headed guidance, you could go to Donald and know he would listen carefully and offer wise, caring advice.
Faith was an important part of his life. Donald was deeply involved at Zion’s Hill Methodist Church, where he served over many years as treasurer, layperson and member of the choir. His service there was quiet, consistent and heartfelt.
Donald will be missed greatly. He will be remembered with gratitude and respect by all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his family will carry his example of humility, intelligence and love forward.
This story has been updated with additional information and detail.