MacKinnon II, Frederick A
Frederick Allen MacKinnon II, age 66, of Lake Stevens, WA, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Nov 7. Fred was born on July 31, 1956 at Bolling Air Force Base (now St. Andrews) in Washington DC and shared his birthday with his grandfather. He grew up in Connecticut as the oldest of five kids raised by an amazing mother. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1974. In 1980, he moved to the Seattle area and later began his career
on commercial fishing vessels, eventually earning the title Chief Engineer.
In 1983 he met the love of his life, Mary, and her daughter Jennifer. The two married in 1988 and went on to add two more children to their family, his Freddy and Mally. Fred had a way with kids (weasels) and dogs (critters) and formed special relationships with so many of both over the years.
While he could appear to have a gruff exterior, he had a tremendously generous and large heart which enabled him to amass an innumerable amount of friends. He also took special interest in befriending and thanking veterans, especially those of World War II. Fred was an avid World War II buff, collected and rode Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles, and enjoyed his coffee while completing the New York Times crossword — in ink!
With a quick wit and a foul mouth he was always entertaining while telling jokes and stories accentuated with his own distinct vernacular. He loved hosting
parties and cooking for his guests. Fred and Mary traveled often. Their trips usually took them to see family around the country, but they also traveled to Mexico numerous times and once to Europe where they saw Iceland and Denmark among several other countries. He was looking forward to a relaxing retirement at home, rebuilding and restoring motorcycles, and traveling more when Mary could convince him.
Fred had a variety of nicknames over the years, including “Big Time Fred,” “Ferd,” and “Chief,” but the one that he held most dear was “Papa” to his beloved grandson Will. Papa and Will spent all the time they could together.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Roch, and his dad, Jim Doran, with whom he had a special relationship, and long-term friends Dave Bitner, Donny Coyle, Mike Brecko, Big Doug Looney, Bill Allen and Jim Bob Anda and numerous others.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, children Jen (Dan) Watson, Freddy (Erika) and Mallary (Brandon), grandson Will Watson, mother Joyce Doran, brothers Roch (Ann) and John, sisters MaryEllen and Lynn (Chris) Nowell, stepmom Patty, numerous step-siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His huge presence will be missed by all, especially friends and family from back in Connecticut and around the world.
Please consider donating to a charity of your choice that supports veterans or animals in memory of Fred.