Former Yukon politician, businessman Ken McKinnon eulogized as ‘warm ambassador’

WHITEHORSE — Long-time Yukon businessman and politician Ken McKinnon, who included assistance in First Nations land claims and involvement in the creation of Kluane National Park among his achievements, has died at the age of 82.

Word of the death was announced Thursday in the Yukon legislature.

Premier Sandy Silver says in a statement that McKinnon’s passing is a loss many Yukoners will feel deeply.

The Winnipeg-born McKinnon moved to Yukon in 1956 and in 1961, at the age of 24, became the youngest member elected to the then-Territorial Council.

He held his seat until 1974 and returned to government as commissioner of the Yukon from 1986 to 1995, a role similar to a provincial lieutenant-governor.

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He was the first president of the Arctic Winter Games, chaired the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board and was also chancellor of Yukon College, which called him a passionate supporter and tireless contributor.

Silver says McKinnon was “a smiling face and warm ambassador for the Yukon his entire life.” (CKRW)

The Canadian Press