Alastair J.W. Mckinlay

Alastair J.W. McKinlay of Bluffton, and formerly of Quechee VT, and Hudson QC. passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 4th, 2017. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Alastair is survived by his loving wife Nancy and his daughters Catherine Kerson, Daytona Beach, FL, Kimberly Lewis-Manning, (Robert),Victoria, BC, , Megan Akselberg (Rune), Spring Lake, MI, step children Christopher O’Leary, Tahoe City, CA, Terence O’Leary, Tahoe City, CA, Caitlin Tucker (Percy), Tempe, AZ and 13 grandchildren, Adam, Jeremy, Nathan, Jeffrey, Matthew, Nicholas, Christopher, Emma, Anna, Sailer, Emily, Max, and Siduri He is preceded in death by his parents John and Kathleen McKinlay, and his son Ross McKinlay. He was born in Kilrea County, Northern Ireland on May 9th, 1934. He was a graduate of Dublin University. At the age of 19, he came to Canada where he began a successful career in the printing industry. At the age of 55, he retired and moved to Quechee, VT where he fell in love with Nancy. They were married in 1994, and enjoyed winters on Dataw Island, until their love of the Low Country lead them to their permanent home in Belfair where they have been since 2000. Alastair (quite a character) was a great cook, model ship builder and lover of having a good conversation on the rocking chairs at the Belfair Clubhouse with his friends and beloved Golden Retrievers, Logan and Katie. Alastair spent his last night with his faithful Logan at his bedside. As a lover of America, he joyfully took the oath to become an American citizen in 1999. He was also a proud member of the British Open Pub. Alastair’s love of God was important, and he found his spiritual home through Pastor Joey McDonald at the Bluffton United Methodist Church, where he soon became a leader. Alastair was a strong supporter of Grateful Goldens, PAL and Bluffton Self Help. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Hospice Care of the Low Country or PAL. A memorial service will be held at Bluffton United Methodist Church on the 7th of January at 2pm. Saul’s funeral home is serving the family.