Dr. George E. McKinnon

George E. McKinnon, M.D., 86, passed away December 2, 2012. Survived by his wife of 23 years, Lynda M. McKinnon; daughters, Karen (Jim) Hoffman, Lisa (Tom) Ryder; step-son, Dr. Paul (Sharon) Smith; grandchildren, Katie (LT Griffin) Farris, Alex Hoffman, Steven Hoffman, Colin (Crysta) Ryder, Sean Ryder, Lindsey and Lauren Smith; great-grandchildren, Autumn and Violet Farris, Ayden Ryder; brother, Phil (Charlotte) McKinnon; sisters, Cloria Vandermate, Linda (Gene) Eikum; nieces, nephews and faithful companion, Kaleigh. Preceded in death by wife, Margaret C. McKinnon and sister, Betty Ness. George was born March 2, 1926 in Lindsay, Oklahoma to Ada M. (James) and Joseph E. McKinnon. He attended medical school and pathology residency at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He graduated in 1949 and was an instructor in Pathology at Johns Hopkins from 1955-57. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1963, he began a 30 year career in Anatomical, Clinical and Forensic Pathology at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. He developed the School of Medical Technology, was Director of Laboratories, President of the Medical Staff, The Pueblo County Medical Society and the Society of Clinical Pathologists. He was on the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Travel was one of George's passions and he was able to visit places on all seven continents. He was an avid bird watcher and frequently combined his love for travel and interest in birds with trips all over the world. He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, was a 40 year member of the Colorado Mountain Club and climbed most of Colorado's 14, 000 ft. mountains. George enjoyed music (especially classical), scuba diving, skiing, playing guitar and was fluent in Spanish. Family was extremely important and he supported his siblings, nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren in all they did. There will be no visitation. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Service, 10 a.m. December 14, 2012, First Presbyterian Church, 220 W. 10th Street, with Rev. Dr. Brad Monroe officiating. Inurnment at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.MongomerySteward.com