Obituary of Rhys Joseph McKinney

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rhys “Bucky” Joseph McKinney. He was the son of the late Joseph Gerald McKinney and Mary Georgina McKinney. Bucky was born on July 7th, 1954, in Saint John New Brunswick, and passed in his residence in Barnesville on February 13th, 2026. He is predeceased by the love of his life, and wife of 33 years Glenda Dawn McKinney (Fenton).

Bucky was the proud father of four sons: Troy, Eric (Cyndi), Joseph (Kristina) and Liam (Jenny) McKinney. He is also survived by his extensive family of brothers and sisters: Shawn, Michael, Liam, Karla, Karen, Lynn, Bridgette, Shevawn, Lorna, Olivia and Tara. He will be dearly missed by his many grandchildren: Britani, Emma, Jennifer, Kieran, Samaira, Malia, Kallie, Shamus, Nadea, Sara and Crue Medrano; and his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A proud member of the Woodstock First Nation, to be in Bucky’s close circle of friends was to be the victim of frequent and relentless ribbing. Bucky could dish it out as well as he could take it, and his love of poking fun was his way of showing affection. Among his many terms of endearment were “You Cardboard Idiot”, “My God, are you ever getting FAT!” and of course the infamous, “Hey Shithead, how’s it going?”

Famous for his enthusiasm for hunting and teasing he often joked of the “wild baloney” running loose on the property – warning the many grandchildren to be on the lookout for it. When not out hunting all things that could be stuffed and mounted, Bucky could also be seen at many Tim Hortons locations at an ungodly time of the morning. Driving by his house you could also spot him hanging out his living room window telling the neighbor to “Go back in the house. You’re making the yard look untidy!”

Bucky was a much-loved member of his community. A long-time volunteer for the Upham Fire Department, helping out his many friends and neighbors was important to him. He was also a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers Local 1386.

A good friend in every sense, Bucky always had a seat for you at the kitchen table whether you needed a cold beer, a good laugh, or the occasional ribbing. Bucky never said “Goodbye” just “See you later”.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB where the visitation will be held on Sunday, from 4 to 7PM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 23, 2026, from Reid’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place at Barnesville Presbyterian Cemetery, Barnesville, NB.

Donations in the memory of Bucky may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and memorial donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.