MacKinnon Jr, John

John H. MacKinnon, Jr. 83, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 at his home. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, John remained an avid Boston Red Sox fan, though his career took him north and south of Fenway Park, from upstate New York to Washington, DC, then retirement in North Myrtle Beach. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he became both a commercial and private pilot and flight instructor, followed by a highly regarded career in transportation safety. That career included the Bureau of Railroad Safety, U.S. Government‘s Transportation Safety Administration, and finally Chief Accident Investigator for the FAA. In retirement, John continued his dedication to transportation safety as a volunteer for the Little River Coast Guard Auxiliary, between Red Sox game viewing and rounds of golf, weather permitting. John is survived by two daughters, Deborah “Deb” MacKinnon of Little River, SC and Leslie MacKinnon of Spring Branch, TX. He is predeceased by his wife Marion E. MacKinnon. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 21, 2011 at Southeastern Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to InCare Hospice, 4685 Hwy 17 S. Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC 19577. Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.