Family, friends and colleagues of Diane McKinnon are remembering her as a dedicated mother and grandmother and a champion of local economic development.
McKinnon, 70, who died peacefully surrounded by family June 16, is the former executive director of the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (RCCFDC), an organization she served for almost 20 years.
RCCFDC posted a touching tribute on social media.
“Diane was a strong supporter of entrepreneurs and worked alongside community organizations and partners across Renfrew County in facilitating economic development projects to strengthen competitiveness, business growth, and innovation within the business community,” reads the post. “Just two years into a well-deserved retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of community support and devotion.”
RCCFDC officials are deeply saddened and said McKinnon built a solid reputation as an outstanding leader within the program, the business community, and all levels of government.
“Throughout her years, Diane led the corporation through many notable community economic development projects such as the Ottawa River Heritage Designation, the Royal Ontario Winter Fair, and several impactful funding programs such as the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), and the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO).”
Her obituary underlines her commitment to her family, who she always put first.
“She held a special place in her heart for all of her beautiful grandchildren and made sure everyone felt love, even if it was tough love sometimes. We will always hold memories in our hearts of the stories she shared on her much-loved travels down south where she loved the warm weather.”
(Written by Sherry Haaima)