Interview with Charles Neil MacLean of East Lake Ainslie on the eight MacKinnon brothers and his remembrances of them.One family, that of John and Catherine (MacLean) MacKinnon, contributed much to LakeAinslie and the greater world. The couple was blessed with 12 children. Several died in infancyand one, Duncan, died when he was 22. The surviving boys distinguished themselves in sports,education and as good men. An interview with Charles Neil MacLean, a neighbour muchyounger than the MacKinnons, shows the how they were held in great regard by those who knewthem. Charles Neil MacLean was born in 1907 and still today remembers them well."The MacKinnon brothers were really well known, not only for their professions alone, but fortheir wonderful characters and personalities. They were so kind and thoughtful to everyone. There were always so generous in sharing whatever they had.Age difference didn't matter at all. Even though I was much younger that Dr. Dan, ( Donald L. 1873-1942) he would sit down and talk with me for a whole evening on the veranda of hisbungalow. Then I remember when he operated on Duncan MacKay down there in the house. They hung sheets on all the walls before the operation. He took out several people's tonsilsusing the kitchen table for an operating table too.Dr. Hugh ( Hugh 1882-1974) was the first doctor at the Memorial Hospital in Inverness. Iremember when he was there. He saved Dan Hector MacPhail's life one time. He operated toremove fluid from around his heart. He cut in between heart beats. Hughie, like all the brothers,was very athletic and he broke many records at Queen's University that stood for a long time. I remember Rev. Murdoch (Murdoch A. 1871-1954) at the United Church service when the newbell was installed. He said 'I dedicate this bell to the glory of God.' in a strong voice that I'llnever forget. He was a great preacher on Church union.I knew Hector ( Hector M. 1868-1937) too, and used to visit him at Malcolm's after he had hisstroke. He always had a smile for everyone.When Rev. A. D. ( Alexander D. 1866- 1949) was older and retired, he came back to LakeAinslie from the west to live out his remaining years. I remember that in a church service hewanted them to sing 'Lord I'm Coming Home'.Rev. Archie, ( Archibald D. 1877-1958) the twin, was a great preacher in Inverness. He had agreat voice for preaching. I remember one time when he held a prayer meeting in the HamiltonSchool. And he himself sang 'Make Me a Channel Of Blessing Today' . He could certainly sing.Malcolm N. ( Malcolm Neil 1880-1945) was a comedian. All the brothers had a good sense ofhumour, but I especially remember Malcolm entertaining at concerts. He and I became elders atthe Grant United Church at the same time. Of course, I was much younger. We all remember hiskindness to Hughie MacMillan's family when their house burnt in Twin Rock Valley. Rev. John Y. ( John Y. 1886-1951) was in Halifax at the time of the Halifax explosion. Henarrowly escaped serious injury. St. John's Church was built when he was there. Before that hetaught school in Inverness. Several of the brothers taught school in their younger years. Hetaught the late Rev. Charlie MacLennan and a man who became a priest in Mabou. These twoformer pupils met years later and the priest asked Rev. Charlie 'Don't you think that John Y. wasthe best teacher we ever had?' Of course the answer was 'yes'. They certainly were a greatfamily.