Teenagers who lost parents adjusting well

Two Marion teenagers orphaned after a shooting on Nov. 23 are doing well, according to the neighbors who have welcomed them into their home.

The children were left homeless after their father, Shannon "Butch" McKinnon, shot their mother, Gina McKinnon, in the family home and then killed himself. Gina McKinnon died a week later in a Seattle hospital.

"The children are doing remarkably well," said Carol Kinniburgh. She and her husband, Dan, didn't hesitate to take in the children.

Both teens are seeing a counselor and have gotten physical checkups that show them to be in good health, she said. They sleep well and their appetites are good.

They are both in school, where the 13-year-old girl's teachers report she is "getting more outgoing and relaxed," and her 15-year-old brother is "very happy with his classes." His mother had kept him out of school.

They're going to church and concerts - "getting out," Kinniburgh said.

"I feel like they're doing great," she said. On Sunday, she reveled in how the girl was "opening up and sharing more" as they baked cookies together.

The children leave today to go to Oregon to stay with their aunt and uncle for the holidays.

"They're very happy about going," Kinniburgh said.

They will return to Marion to finish out the school year and then plan to move to Oregon.

"Their aunt is their legal guardian," Kinniburgh said. "It's a good relationship."

While it has been the Kinniburghs' care and generosity that buoyed the children, they give credit and thanks to the community.

Marion fire department's auxiliary began a fund-raiser that led to an account opened for the children at Valley Bank in Kalispell. Donations may be made by dropping off contributions at the bank or mailing them, designating the money to the McKinnon children.

Supporters also have suggested gift certificates to the Kinniburghs to help defray the costs of supporting the teenagers. Gifts and cards may be sent to Dan and Carol Kinniburgh at 845 Bitterroot Drive, Marion, MT 59925.

"We'd like to give a big thank-you to the community. We want to let everyone know how much we appreciate everyone's prayers and the outpouring of kindness to the children and us," Kinniburgh said.

"We're just thankful to do it. To God be the glory," she said.

She said she is grateful that "out of a horrific experience like this, that their lives will be salvaged and they can go on and be normal, healthy and happy adults.

"They're going to be OK," Kinniburgh said.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com