Don McKinnon

Not to be confused with Gold prospector Donald Duncan "Don" McKinnon (1929 - 2012) [1] [2], nor with New Zealand politician Sir Donald Charles McKinnon (born 27 February 1939) [3]

Don McKinnon, circa 1980s

Don McKinnon, obituary, November 1989

Don McKinnon, circa 1980s

John Donald Joseph "Don" McKinnon (1941 - 19 November 1989) was a teacher with Amelia Jackson for 35 years from when he was about 13 in about 1954 until his death from a "very bad" car accident in 1989. In 1964 with Amelia Jackson, Don McKinnon founded the "Northwestern Ontario Ballet Guild" and taught at the Dance Centre of Northwestern Ontario.

Don was born and raised in Westfort, Fort William.

At the time of his death, Don resided outside of Kakabeka with his mother and brother, Bill. He made the long drive in to Thunder Bay on a regular basis. This policy of making long winter drives on icy roads eventually cost him his life.

Dance career

After Maurice Jackson's death in 1957, Amelia Jackson began to rely heavily on Don, a promising young dancer from Atikokan. Don became a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)-certified ballet teacher and her second-in-command at the studio. Together they taught Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and other styles, bringing famous dancers such as Al Gilbert of Hollywood, California to administer exams at the end of each semester.

Don was a protégé Jazz Teacher of Matt Mattox (Matt was in the movie "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers", the axe dance), and examined the "Cozzubbo Jazz Exams" for three years and also did "Mock Ballet RAD Exams" for the Academy.

Don was apparently a disciple of tap dancer Al Gilbert, who administered the exams for the DCNO at the end of many semesters from at least the 1970s through the studio's final exams in April 2000.

Another devoted student was Leslie Almgren (nee Niro), who joined Don on Saturdays to practice at Vickers Heights Community Centre in the 1950s. Barbara Towell's mother accompanied them on the piano. The most successful student from this era was Rosalie Brake (Dicks), who danced with the National Ballet of Canada.

Don also taught at the Vickers Heights community centre and held workshops in the summer at Selkirk High School (currently St. Patrick's).

In his early teaching years, he did travel to Atikokan weekly on Saturdays to teach ballet and tap. Cindy Nephin-Webb recalled being his dance student in Atikokan.

Leslie Joan Gentile (nee Bender) remembered taking dance lessons with him at Amelia Jackson's studio in the 1950s: "He was very nice and also an excellent dancer." Karen Lynn Evans danced under his tutelage, and her mother was one of his longtime dance partners. Jean Mirowski studied ballroom dancing with him. Linda Luszczak recalled that "he taught our adult tap class. Such patience and skill." Brenda Clapp (nee Salamon) remembered him as part of "Amelia Jackson's Studio and Thunder Bay Society of Ballet and Dance" (previously the Guild), and herself danced with Amelia Jackson at the beginning of her dance path. Anna Melideo Osborn recalled that "he was also a great dancer and teacher of dance."

Don McKinnon, in a school yearbook, circa 1960s

By 1978 the studio had a faculty of eight, with Don listed as CDTA Assistant Director alongside Amelia Jackson as CDTA Director:

• Amelia Jackson CDTA Director
• Don McKinnon CDTA Assistant Director
• Leslie Almgren
• Marg Hadland
• Mary Evans CDTA
• Barbara Ann Buie
• Ilga Suseklis
• Debra Lee Bechta

A congratulations posting from Amelia Jackson and Don McKinnon to Allan Cozzubbo, 27 September 1987, in the Calgary Herald

On 27 September 1987, Amelia and Don advertised best wishes to their dance teacher friend Allan Cozzubbo in the Calgary Herald for the 25th anniversary of his studio (Sep 1963 - June 1997).

Teaching career

A teacher by profession, Don had been an employee of the Lakehead District Separate School Board for 27 years at the time of his death. Don Cattani, who taught in the same Catholic system for 15 years, recalled: "He was a very nice man and an excellent teacher. Later I taught at the same school as his brother Bill."

In March 2026, Jim Gain posted a reflection on Don in the Thunder Bay Memories Facebook group, recalling his time as a student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Elementary in Fort William (1965–1969). The post generated over 60 responses from former students and dance pupils across Thunder Bay and beyond, and helped to reconstruct his professional chronology at the Separate School Board.

Over his 27-year career, Don taught at numerous Catholic elementary schools in Thunder Bay:

• St. Ann's (1960s) — Donna Scoging and Bonnie Zelkovich Bohay recalled him here. Bohay remembered him as "my favorite teacher... so kind and treated us all as equals."
• St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Elementary, Fort William (c. 1965–1969) — Jim Gain remembered him as "a very kind & caring teacher." Kevin Brian McKeown's father also began teaching at the school around this time.
• St. Andrew's, corner of River Street and Cumberland (c. 1970) — This was the first open-concept school in Thunder Bay. Carmella Falshaw recalled Don teaching grades 5 and 6 here; Wayne Menard and Sheila Davidson were also his students. Don taught alongside Mr. Law, Miss Hinton, Miss Borsani (Linda Kontunen's aunt), and Sister Lillian. Marie Murphy also recalled him at St. Andrew's when the new open-concept school opened on River Street.
• St. Bernard (c. 1972–1973) — Sandra Pomanti and Michael John McNally (grade 5) both recalled him here.
• Holy Family — Tanya L Mrozek recalled a teacher matching his description.
• St. Margaret's (his final school; he was teaching here at the time of his death in 1989) — Neal Halverson (grade 5), Tom Neil (grade 4), Angie BenBen (grade 4), Calley Onch, and Justine Marie were among his students. After Don's death, an award was established in his name for artistic achievement; Halverson was its first recipient.

Death

On Sunday, 19 November 1989, Don was killed in a vehicle accident at the age of 48. He is buried at Saint Patrick's Cemetery [4]

Amelia was a strict teacher who demanded the best from all her students. She worked hard and expected the best from everyone in her studio. Don McKinnon was her right hand and he began taking the work load. Tragically one Sunday morning November 18 1989 [actually it was the 19th] Don was killed in a vehicle accident at the age of 48. My daughters Pamela and Barbara were waiting for him to come to town for a workshop. Amelia was lost without him. Don slid out of control on an icy stretch. Don was a single man.

— Patricia Ellen Towell, Private Conversation, September 2023

"Mrs. J was still teaching when Don passed away. It was so so tough on her. She just soldiered on and had been teaching all along," recalled Barbara Towell. "Don was like a son to Mrs. Jackson; in my eyes he was."

An amazing teacher, an awesome mentor, incredibly artistic and talented. His celebration of life was very moving. I don't think there were any dry eyes in the house. He is missed by all who knew him. [The funeral mass was held at] St. Agnes's. I got there an hour before the mass and it was filling quickly. I remember some of his senior dance teachers and students performed very moving liturgical dances. Still gives me goosebumps when I think about it, yes they were that good. It was the most fitting tribute for an amazing man. The service was in the evening to accommodate as many people as possible.

— Laura Gresch

Marilyn Diane recalled that Don's parents had been her godparents: "The best ever. Shame he died so young."

Angie BenBen, who had been Don's grade 4 student at St. Margaret's, recalled: "He was killed in a car accident the following year."

Don's leisure time was spent at the family camp at Sturgeon Bay. He was a longtime member of St. Agnes' Church and also St. Theresa's at Kakabeka.

Remembrances

He was my teacher in grade 5 at St Margaret's Elementary School, and died during that year with us as our teacher. I remember that he got cross with me once when I was trying to be funny and did some kind of word association with 'Veterans' and 'Veterinarians' (I believe his brother fought in WWII). I remember that later on he noticed I had shrinked away from him because I was embarased, and he gently made up for it by speaking with me. After he died, there was an award made for artistic achievement, and I was the recipient for it, getting a plaque with his name engraved on it along with mine. I had it displayed in my room for many years. A touching, complicated memory of Don McKinnon!

— Neal Halverson

Tom Neil, who had Don in grade 4 at St. Margaret's before moving away from the city, recalled: "He was such an amazing, caring teacher. I remember being a kid and hearing the news of his passing."

Ray Halverson, responding to his brother Neal's memory, wrote: "Lovely reflection Neal. Speaks to Mr. McKinnon's sensitivity and gentleness. And yours."

Uncle Donny was my great uncle. I have very fond memories of him and am very touched to see that he holds a special place in the hearts of so many. It was his passion for teaching that inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Thank you for sharing your memories of him. This is so special to see.

— Kristy Jean (great-niece)

What a great teacher, I've always held a soft spot in my heart for him as he was a real teacher, a master of his trade. He didn't look at you as a kid in a class but the future of our society. Anyone who was taught by him I feel he left us with something special, hence this conversation.

— Odin Wik

Don McKinnon, my wonderful dance partner and friend — miss him so much. So many amazing memories with Amelia, Leslie, Terry and all the wonderful dancers at the Guild/Thunder Bay Ballet Society.

— Linda Kearns (nee Landversitch)

Such a wonderful dance instructor. I played piano for him and Amelia Jackson. My daughters were waiting for him at the Dance Centre the day he died. He was loved and respected.

— Patricia Ellen Towell

Doug Black recalled that "he was a great man and teacher." Rebecca Anne and Tom Burns both remembered him as an amazing and caring teacher. Shirley Harris recalled that he had lived not far from her family home.

Legacy

Thunder Bay's Legendary Ballerina, Amelia Jackson, owned and operated a very strict yet rewarding dance studio here in Thunder Bay, the Northwestern Dance Center. Along with Amelia, were dance Pros Don McKinnon, Lesley Almgren and Leslie Hunt who taught many dancers over the years. Year end exams were conducted by Al Gilbert of Hollywood. Here are some programs with the list of the Guild Members. Lots of names to tag or share with their families.

— Karen Peltonen, Thunder Bay Memories Facebook group, 19 January 2019

Linda Kearns, who began dance at age 7 with Mrs. Jackson and was at Brandon School of Dance from 2020-2022, states that "it was Amelia who instilled in her not only the love of dance, but the discipline and work ethic needed not only in the world of dance but in life in general. Amelia encouraged [a] love of teaching, performing, and choreographing," and it was through Amelia and Don McKinnon that she began a lifetime friendship with Al Gilbert "the Pied Piper of Dance."

Family

Don's family was one of 4 brothers including himself. It's likely his brothers also had an unusual, indulgent three given names, which is seen in he and his father's names:

• Father Robert John Bernard "Bob" McKinnon 1910 - 1 July 1980 [5]
• Mother Marguerite Evelyn McKinnon (nee Lark) 17 June 1908 - 7 May 1993 [6]
• Brother Robert "Bob" McKinnon (died between 1989 and 2002) (six children with Patricia "Pat" Glover (1931 - 2002))
• Brother Reverend William John "Bill" McKinnon (1937 - 10 February 2000) [7]
• Brother John "Jack" McKinnon (alive in 2026) (first wife Jean, then after 2002 remarried to Pat, who died in 2021)
• John Donald Joseph "Don" McKinnon (1941 - 19 November 1989)

As of 2026, the only living member of the family, Jack McKinnon, is a volunteer at the food bank in Thunder Bay with his daughter. [8]

William "Bill" McKinnon

Don's brother Bill also taught in the Catholic school system for many years. Marnie Hemmings recalled Bill teaching her in grades 4 and 7 at St. Joseph's School in the Port Arthur ward (since torn down, located in Port Arthur before amalgamation with Fort William), and later had the experience of becoming his colleague on staff at St. Bernard School: "Bill was one of the kindest and most gentle people I ever met. Later I had the good fortune of being on staff with him at St. Bernard School. From student to colleague. What a privilege to share the same career with him." Don Cattani also taught alongside Bill.

Obituary

McKINNON — Mr. John Donald Joseph "Don" McKinnon, age 48 years, of R.R. #5 Arthur Street, died November 19, 1989.

Born and raised in the city, Don was very active in the community throughout his life, and for the past 35 years, had taught dance in the district. All of those years were spend [sic] teaching with Amelia Jackson, and together they founded the Northwest Ontario Ballet Guild Dance Center [possible conflation of the Guild and Center into one name]. Don's whole life had been devoted to the art of dance and to [sic] anyone that was associated with him knew of his dedication. A teacher by profession he had been an employee of the Lakehead District Separate School Board for the past 27 years.

Don's leisure time was spent at the family camp at Sturgeon Bay. He was a longtime member of St. Agnes' Church and also St. Theresa's at Kakabeka.

He is survived by his mother Marguerite; brothers Bob, Bill and John "Jack" and his wife Jane all of Thunder Bay; sister-in-law Pat [~1931 - 2002]; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. He was predeceased by his father Bob.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M. when friends and family will gather for Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Ken Pottie. Services will be complete [sic] in the Church with a private family interment to follow on Thursday in the family plot in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Removal will be made from the Blake Funeral Chapel prior to Mass time Wednesday. Prayers will be offered on Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. in the Blake Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to carry on Don's memory at the Northwest Dance Center [sic], and memorial cards may be obtained at the Blake Funeral Chapel.

— Obituary of Don McKinnon, Chronicle-Journal, 21 November 1989, page 22

"Mr. McKinnon, an RAD Ballet Teacher and protege Jazz Teacher of Matt Mattox ( Matt was in the movie"Seven Brides For Seven Brothers"..the axe Dance) Don examined the "Cozzubbo Jazz Exams" for three years and also did "Mock Ballet RAD Exams" for the Academy. Mr McKinnon passed in 1995 [actually it was 1989] due to a very bad car accident. He is remembered fondly by his family & Allan Jerry Cozzubbo, Al Gilbert, Kathy Wood"

— Jerry Cozzubbo, personal website, accessed 2020

References

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/285408870/john_donald-mckinnon