


Visitation
Memorial Service
Interment


Obituary of Alvin Wilson McKinley
In loving memory of Alvin McKinley
1929 – 2025
Alvin walked this earth for 96 years-and he quite literally, walked it. He moved through life with quiet dignity, a kind smile, and the soul of a man who knew how to keep going, even when no one was watching. He was not loud about his strength, but it was there in every step, every smile, every “How ya doing?” that he offered with warmth and sincerity.
He lived through nearly a century of change. Through war, hardship, rebuilding, and loss. As a member of the Canadian Salvage Corps, he offered his strength not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.
He was a man of music. Whether with a fiddle or guitar in hand, Alvin didn’t just hear melodies, he lived them. Music was his language when words weren’t enough. It carried him through the weight of unspoken stories, through both sorrow and joy.
Alvin may not have been fully recognized in his lifetime for all that he was, but he was more. More than kind. More than strong. He was a man of integrity, a soul of depth, and a heart that never gave up. And now, as he takes his next journey beyond this world, we honor him; not just for what he endured, but for how he chose to live through it.
With grace. With courage. With love.
May his spirit now move freely. Finally seen, finally celebrated, and forever at peace.
Born in McKinleyville, NB, to the late Perley and Irene (Clark) McKinley, Alvin is survived by one daughter, Wanda, her spouse, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by brothers Herbert, Donald, Kenneth, and Beverley, one sister, Sharon, and many nieces and nephews.
Alvin was predeceased by his only son, Derrick, and grandson, Brandon. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Carmelita, as well as his half-brother Merlin and half-sister Aubrey, and by brothers Edward, Willis, John, Gary, Sterling ,Paul, and sisters Ruby, Greta and Roberta.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Castle Fallsview Funeral Home 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. A Memorial Service will take place at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 are welcome, if desired. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.ca.

