MCKINLAY, Scott McKinlay

A resident of Morpeth, Scott McKinlay passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham, in his 70th year.

Born in Chatham in 1955, Scott was the son of the late James and Edith (Wilcox) McKinlay of Morpeth. He was raised on the McKinlay family farm, to which he returned with his wife Pam to raise their family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Pamela Sue (Luckham), with whom he shared a life rich in love, laughter, and family. In later years, he was fortunate to find love again with Joanne Trinca, whose presence brought renewed joy, companionship, and comfort to his life.

Loving father of Kerry McKinlay (Jaya Hartgerink) of Shellharbour, Australia, and Nikki McKinlay-Burnette (Aaron Burnette) of Sarnia, Ontario. Cherished grandfather of Harrison Scott and Oscar Jay.

Proud step-father to Heather Barrett of Essex and Kimberley Jenner of Tilbury, and step-grandfather to Jadyn, Emma, Nadea, Seth, Lily, Tia, Beau, and Bryton.

Dear brother to Sandy McKinlay (Wendy), Rob McKinlay (Mary Margaret), Ian McKinlay (Luisa), and Mary Bell (John “JB”). Brother-in-law of Mike Luckham (Ida) and Randy Luckham (Dawn). Also remembered by Joanne’s family, his many nieces and nephews, the wider McKinlay clan, and an enormous circle of friends.

Scott graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Economics and later qualified as a Certified General Accountant. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career in finance and lending in the agricultural sector, working with Orford Co-op, Dekalb Canada, Stoney Point Co-op, Mainstreet, and CIBC. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Stoney Point Co-op and was integral in the development of Great Lakes Grain. He also had fond memories of teaching at the Ridgetown College of Agriculture and Technology. Scott was a proud member of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada.

Scott was an active member of the Ridgetown Curling Club and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a proud Mason and was a member of the Kent Lodge #274 AF and AM, Blenheim and the Blenheim Shrine Club. Scott carried on his father’s legacy with Mossbank Kennels, where he proudly bred Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Together with Pam, they later developed Kinlayke Kennels, continuing their shared passion for raising and showing purebred dogs.

Always up for an adventure, Scott loved to travel and often said he had enjoyed many “trips of a lifetime,” including numerous visits to Australia. Known for his energy, Scott never sat still and always had a project on the go. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity, humour, resilience, and hospitality. He was a natural entertainer, a gifted public speaker, and a great storyteller whose jokes and tales brought joy to many. For decades, he and his family hosted friends and neighbours at the legendary annual Pig Roast, a tradition spanning 48 years.

Deeply committed to his community, Scott was a member and Past President of the Optimist Club. He served for 18 years as a trustee of the Lambton-Kent District School Board, including multiple terms as Chair and Vice-Chair. He was also a volunteer Director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice and a proud Transplant Ambassador, openly sharing his story after receiving two generous and life-changing kidney donations from family members.

Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00pm and on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm. Masonic Service to be held Thursday at 6:30pm. A Funeral Service will follow the cremation at the Funeral Home at 1:00pm on Monday, September 1, 2025. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown.

Donations made in memory of Scott to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Renal Patient and Donor Foundation would be appreciated.

Scott, your generosity and strength of character enriched every life you touched. You were an incredible father, a devoted partner, a proud grandfather, and a true friend. Your love of family, commitment to community, and gift of laughter will be remembered always.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141