Orford, NH – Frank Alexander McKinnon, 80, passed away quietly on January 16, 2025, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH after a period of failing health.

He was born in Houston, TX on May 2, 1944, the son of Norma Marie Volkmann. Frank's uncle, Walter Volkmann, whom Frank lovingly considered his "father figure" stepped in and helped raise Frank as his own son when Frank was a young child. Raised in Texas, Frank spent a great deal of time on the family farm as a hard-working and fun-loving young man with his brother, uncle, and cousins. Following his high school graduation in the spring of 1962, Frank enlisted in the US Navy that September with the background of an electrical repairman. Frank received training in the Navy through the nuclear power school and worked on nuclear submarines as well as the USS William R. Rush destroyer. He was honorably discharged in June 1968 earning the National Defense Service Medal.

His nuclear training in the Navy allowed him to formulate several successful business ventures throughout his life. He made many connections, personally and professionally, throughout the country and internationally as an agent for finding and placing staff for management and technicians, specifically in the nuclear industry. He was a jovial and trustworthy man who was well-respected by all who were lucky to have known and worked for him until he formally retired in 1999.

Frank married his first wife, Marianne Waynich in 1968 and welcomed his two sons, Michael and Ryan as part of that union. Frank and his family settled in PA for a short period of time, and through the business, he eventually found his way up to New England in the early 90's.

After settling down on the seacoast of NH, Frank met and eventually married Kathleen Corbett in 1991. Frank and Kathy enjoyed many years of fun and adventure together as they shared a love of boating and the water, hosting many parties, entertaining friends, singing in the church choir, and especially traveling, the highlight of which was a celebration of his retirement with a month-long trip in 2000 including Australia, New Zealand, and Bali.

Following his full retirement, Frank and Kathy eventually settled in Orford, NH, where Frank was an active member of the American Legion. They also enjoyed a summer home on Squam Lake where he was president of the association and where they enjoyed hosting and watching their 13 grandchildren gather and play on warm summer days.

Frank is survived by his son, Ryan McKinnon (Renee), stepchildren Peter Corbett (Kim), Moira DeBois (Marc), Timothy Corbett (Sandy), and James Corbett (Dawn); 13 grandchildren: Christopher Marley, Maeve McKinnon, Chase McKinnon, Rylin McKinnon, Moira Corbett, Kathleen Corbett, Jennifer Maccini (Derek), Mikayla DeBois, Andrew DeBois, Tucker Corbett, Samantha Corbett, Olivia Corbett, and Isabel Corbett. He is also survived by three, very close cousins in Texas who will miss him fondly: Kathy Lindsey, Leslie Mondejar, and Gail Volkmann.

Frank is predeceased by his wife of almost 33 years, Kathleen, his son, Michael, his mother, Norma, his brother, Billy, and his loving aunt and uncle, Walter and Edwina Volkmann.

Frank's family is planning a celebration of life on June 21, 2025, in Orford, NH starting at West Cemetery. Frank was incredibly fond of and doted on all of his dogs throughout his life, most especially his close companion Molly who stood by him after losing Kathy less than a year ago in March of 2024. Memorial donations may be made to your local humane society in Frank or Molly's honor.