Raymond M. McKinnon

CLARKSVILLE, NH-- Angels ride a Harley. Riding his Harley through the streets of Heaven with his face in the wind, he is on patrol astride a brand new Harley made of gold. Our loved one, Raymond M. McKinnon, was grasped from his loving family and friends on Thursday, December 29, 2011, and his new life began. He was only 43. Melanoma may have taken over Raymond’s health, but never his spirit. He had a great will to live, as he stated to many people, “Raymond McKinnon isn’t a man dying of cancer, but Raymond McKinnon is a man living with cancer.” And his passion for life stayed strong until his passing. Raymond’s life began on August 13, 1968, in Newport, Vt., another baby boy for Donald and Lorraine McKinnon. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1986, and shortly after began his employment at Ethan Allen. He worked for many years in the sanding department and performed many other jobs during his 25 years of employment. Raymond also worked many years for Dan Dionne until his illness. With the help from family and friends, he built his home in Clarksville, in which he took great pride. Raymond took pride in everything he touched. He has helped so many individuals, whether changing a tire or rewiring a bathroom. Raymond was a man rooted in altruism, always seeking to help others, regardless of how they might return the favor, he was a selfless man. When not working, he enjoyed life. His favorite pastime was riding his motorcycle. It was not uncommon to see Raymond riding his Harley rain or shine. He liked long rides and enjoyed scenic views. Raymond shared his passion of motorcycling with his girlfriend, Katrina, teaching her how to ride, and touring New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont with his friends. His soul shined through his actions. He was a best friend to many, they knew who they were, and for them they knew the things he would do. He would be there for his family no matter the cost. With a quick joke and a welcome smile, he was also there someone needed to talk. For many years, Raymond enjoyed helping the boys on the Hughes’ farm with their tree business and working on the pit crew for Mike Hughes and his racecar. He got so much joy from helping others. He loved spending time with his family and working at the family sugar shack in the spring of the year, boiling the famous McKinnon maple syrup. There are few men like Raymond; one search far and wide, but a man like this will not leave you, not even after he is gone. He will be there when you wake up on those bright sunny, summer days. Memories of Raymond will make you smile when everything around you looks so gray. He has left behind many people who love him dearly, and he will forever be in their hearts. He is survived by his parents, Donald and Lorraine (Parker) McKinnon of Pittsburg; his brother, Roger McKinnon of South Carolina and his family Julie, Josie, Jake, and Lacey; his brother Ricky McKinnon and family Georgette Cameron of North Carolina; his brother Richard McKinnon and his family, Holli, and Melissa of Pittsburg; his companion, Katrina Cross and son Carl and his faithful furry friend Harley; as well as numerous cousins. Yes, there is pain in our hearts today because we will never again hear him say “LET’S GO FOR A RIDE,” but when we roll out, he will be there because the streets of heaven are patrolled by angels on Harleys. Raymond--we all love you and forever you will stay in our hearts. Calling hours will be on Monday, January 2, 2012, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A memorial service to celebrate Raymond’s life will be held in the spring near his home in Clarksville. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Raymond may be made to the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o Rosemary Mulliken at The First Colebrook Bank, 132 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Raymond M. McKinnon

August 13, 1968 - December 29, 2011