MCKINNON "DEE" DORA GLADYS (nee WEST) March 9, 1920-Nov 28, 2008 Dee McKinnon passed away at the Red Deer Hospital at the age of 88 years. Dee is survived by her daughters, Sharen Cherry (Dave), Irene Hughes (Ron), and son Gordon Samuel (Pat), grandchildren Chris, Jason, Amanda, Tracy and Tammie, and great-grand children Nicole, Kevin, Chelsea, Jordan, Nicholas, Emma, Ashley, Ethan, Jeremy, and baby Ryder. She was predeceased by her sisters Kay, Phyllis, Joan and brother Con. She is also survived by her ex-husband Ron, who with great and exceptional dedication provided care and support for her until the end. Dee emmigrated from England in 1925 and spent her youth in Winnipeg. There she studied art under prairie artist Fitzgerald and became a talented artist herself. After WWII broke out, she joined the RCAF and did 3 years active service as a photographer. After the war, she married and raised a family. Though she struggled with mental illness, and in later years, the loss of her vision, we will always remember the joy and zest she had for each day of life. She loved many things, car travel, beauty in nature, colorful fashion, writing "her page" and above all, family. We will always remember and cherish her uniqueness, creative thinking, and fiercely independent sprit. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at Centennial Hospital, and also to Palliative Care and ICU at Red Deer Hospital for their genuine dedication and commitment to her complex health care needs. And also, to her myriad network of friends at Mcdonalds, A&W, Value Village, and the many other shops and establishments of the amazing community of Red Deer for their 28 years of ongoing cheerful support, patience and caring. A graveside service will be held at Alto Reste Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday December 10 at 2 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to: sharenc@shaw.ca Subject: Dee