1966 – 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Marie MacKinnon announces her passing on Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 at the Kelowna General Hospital after a tragic highway accident on February 3rd, which also took the life of her loving husband Clayton Murrell.

Joan was born April 4th, 1966 in Fort William, Ontario to Donald and Audrey MacKinnon. The family moved to Terrace, BC in 1967. Joan will be lovingly remembered by her mother Audrey, her two sons Aaron (Hayley), Andrew (Tasha), and her step children Kirsten and Dysen. Joan will be forever remembered by her four grandchildren Aubrey, Grady, Shaide and Felix. Joan was the youngest of five children Greg (Vanessa) in Vernon, Doug in Vancouver, Rick (Cindy) in Winnipeg, Jane (Frank) in Airdrie, and many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly. Joan was predeceased by her father Donald.

Joan moved to Cranbrook in August 2000 where she began a career as the Aquatic Coordinator with the Cranbrook Aquatic Center. Joan received the Life Saving Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award as a Life Saving Society Instructor in 2010. This is the highest honour for an instructor within the Branch.

Along with her husband Clayton, a captain at the Cranbrook Fire Department life was full of laughter and love. Joan and Clayton loved the outdoors and were passionate about horses and competing together in rodeo events throughout BC and Alberta. Joan and Clayton both loved to volunteer in the local community and will be greatly missed. Through lifeguarding Joan coached Special Olympic athletes and was a strong supporter of the Life Saving Society. Joan will be missed by many co-workers, friends, and athletes.

With the help of BC Transplant Joan was able to give other families the gift of life.

The joint celebration of life for Joan and her husband Clayton will be held at Western Financial Place, Saturday, February 17th at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her memory can be made to Special Olympics in Cranbrook.

www.mcphersonfh.com

“We may not have it all together,
but together, we have it all.”