Former Plasterers Local 82 business manager Don McKinnon died Dec. 15 at the age of 79. McKinnon was business manager from 1984 to 2022.
Born May 24, 1944, in Spooner, Minnesota, Donald L. McKinnon grew up in Eastern Oregon as one of six siblings. He joined the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Union on Oct. 15, 1964. From 1966 to 1968 he served in Vietnam as an army radio operator. Afterward he returned the plastering trade in Washington, and moved to Portland for work, becoming a member of Local 82. He was elected Local 82 business manager on April 4, 1984, outpolling incumbent Bill Denny, and was re-elected repeatedly until he retired in April 2002. During his tenure as business manager, the local moved its office from 2215 SE Division St. to its current space, shared with other masonry trades, at 12812 NE Marx St.
In retirement he moved to Sumpter, Oregon, a town of 200 located half an hour west of Baker City. An avid outdoorsman, he relished ATV trail riding, elk hunting, salmon fishing, and camping.
A graveside memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Canyon City Cemetery, to be followed by a reception in nearby John Day.
