James ‘Herbie’ MacKinnon

RUMFORD — James Herbert MacKinnon, 83, of Rumford, died Sunday, June 14, surrounded by his family at Rumford Hospital.

James, better known as “Herbie,” was born Feb. 12, 1932, a son of Peter Everett and Thelma (Roberts) MacKinnon. He grew up in Rumford and attended local schools, receiving his high school diploma from Stephens High School.

Upon graduation, he began his career at the paper mill in Rumford, before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955. After serving two honorable years, he returned back to work at the paper mill and married Carol T. O’Neil in September 1959. Together, they raised their two daughters, Karen and Kim, and lived in Dixfield and Rumford.

Herbie was a hard worker, and was employed at the paper mill for over 40 years. He loved watching sports, particularly the Red Sox, and enjoyed a cold Ballantine Ale. A simple man who kept to himself, he was a dedicated parishioner at Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford. Herbie was the storyteller of his family and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen MacKinnon of Rumford, and Kim Kenney and her husband, Timothy, of Windham; grandchildren, Timothy James “TJ” Kenney Jr. and Kelsi Kenney, both of Windham; siblings, Beverly Desroches and her husband, Henry, of Dixfield, Norma Donovan of Epping, N.H., John MacKinnon and his wife, Pauline, of Peru; and brother-in-law, Warren Laprelle of Melbourne, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol; a sister, Margaret Perez and her husband, Dr. Wenceslao “Ben” Perez; and a brother-in-law, Leonard Donovan.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.