Danny Mckinney

Danny McKinney

"Way Bahn Ah Qwud"

(The Clouds in the Morning Sky)

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our father, grandfather and brother, Danny McKinney. On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Danny began his journey into the spirit world, at the age of 75 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, Wanda (Farrell), Daniel Edgar, Pamela, Monica, Brody "Michael" (Stacey) and Brian (Angela) who he helped raise; his grandchildren, Tara, Dusty, Caitlin, Holly, Chad, Gage, Taylor, Preston, Sierra, Savannah, Ravenna, Troy, Kristina and Breanne; his great-grandchildren, Emily, Alyssa, Tamara, Hayze, Kaileena, Hailey, Cherish, Braxton, Addison, Sebastian and Kona; his sister, Donna McKinney; his brother-in-law, Thomas Walker Sr; his sister in laws, Marina Scott and Hazel Scott; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many, many friends.

Danny was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth McKinney, his brothers, William McKinney (Margaret/Gertrude), Fred McKinney, Tony McKinney, Roy McKinney (Joyce), Bob McKinney (Mary), Arthur McKinney, Tony Martin, Fred Martin, his sisters, Gladys McKinney and Linda McKinney, his stepchildren, Deanna Hobson and Denny Hobson, his nephews, Ron McKinney, Dwayne McKinney, Brian McKinney, Greg Scott, Raymond Scott, Kevin Scott, his nieces, Mildred McKinney, Eileen McKinney, Lorna McKinney, Miranda McKinney, Sherri Scott, Natalie McKinney and Maureen Soldier.

Danny was born in Swan Lake First Nation and attended Indian Springs Day School. In his early years, he was a hardworking man, having worked in many different jobs throughout his life. He was a truck driver for nearly 50 years, working for various farms in North Dakota and Manitoba. When Danny started his family, he worked locally for Swan Lake First Nation as a bus driver for 18 years and was the Fire Chief for many years. Danny was instrumental in organizing the Swan Lake Royals Fast Ball team, who played in the Southeast Central Fastball League. Danny played the position of bat-catcher and was named to the All-Star Team. He was known for his ability to hit home-runs and received an award for Home-Run Hitter. Danny was often asked to play for other teams and travelled for ball tournaments throughout Manitoba and other Western Provinces as well as the USA. Danny transitioned to softball when his years as a fastball player were done. Swan Lake Warriors travelled to many ball tournaments throughout Manitoba. He also coached youth baseball at Indian Springs School. His love for baseball continued throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing various types of pool such as 101 and 8-Ball. He was the captain of the team, Boss Cues, who played in the Southwest 8-Ball League since 2017. In 2019-2020, Boss Cues became the regular season champs and in 2021-2022, they were the playoff champions. Working on vehicles and small engines was always a passion for him as he was mechanically gifted. You could find him working in his garage late at night and often teaching the younger youth in the community everything he knew about engines. His hobbies also included playing hockey with his brothers in his younger years, playing bingo and slots, hunting, snaring, attending pow-wows and watching hockey, specifically his favorite team, The Winnipeg Jets. He also spent some time on the SLFN Pow Wow Committee and was active with the Elders Committee. Danny loved to speak his native language and enjoyed teaching our youth how to speak Ojibway. He loved to laugh and make jokes with everyone and had a sense of humor like no other and always had a crazy story to share. His personality will be missed and the memories we have with him will forever be cherished.

A Traditional Wake Service will be held at the Swan Lake First Nation Community Hall on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 4 p.m. Followed by a Traditional Feast and Funeral Service on Thursday, July 11, 2024, beginning at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at the Indian Springs Cemetery.

Officiating will be David Scott. The Pallbearers will be Ryan McKinney, Tommy Walker Jr., Craig Soldier, Bryan Tait, Harry Hobson and Dusty Hobson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne Myran, Ralph Merrick, Kerry Meeches, Ken McKinney, Larry McKinney, Doug Scott, Trevor Peters, Gordie Houle, Curtis Scott, Jeff Martin, John Martin, Fabian Berrens, Jacob Flett. The Fire Keeper will be Bryan Tait.

The family would like to thank Swan Lake First Nation Chief & Council, Health Centre and SLFN members for their kindness and support.

Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca