Arthur J. McKinlay

Rutland - Arthur J. McKinlay, 91, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026 at Rose Monahan Hospice House listening to Scotland the Brave. He is the loving husband of the late Isabella T. (Gilzean) McKinlay with whom he would have celebrated over 66 years of marriage.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Arthur was the son of the late Dan and Margaret McKinlay. He met his soulmate and future wife, Isabella during childhood and together they moved to the United States to raise their family. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including owning ice cream trucks in Scotland, a leather tannery, and eventually retiring from AMI Leasing as a vehicle delivery coordinator.

Arthur spent countless hours tending to his flower gardens, transforming his property into a colorful and welcoming landscape. Christmas held a special place in his heart, and each year he eagerly built and displayed elaborate Dickens' Christmas villages throughout his home. He was a gracious host who enjoyed entertaining and bringing people together. A devoted supporter of Glasgow Rangers F.C., Arthur rarely missed an opportunity to support his beloved team. His passion for soccer extended beyond fandom, as he was one of the founders of Rutland Youth Soccer, helping introduce young athletes to the game he loved. He also loved to travel and would never shy away from a weekend drive to Canada or a vacation back to Scotland to visit family and friends. He even helped organize several group trips to Scotland.

He helped share his love of his native Scotland with others by organizing a Celtic Folk Club bringing Celtic performers to Central Mass for all to enjoy. Arthur's warmth and enthusiasm for life will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Arthur also supported his Rutland community as a long time member and former President of the Rutland Lions Club. He was a Master Mason and was the oldest living member of his original Lodge in Scotland (The Lodge Captain Spiers, Lodge 791 in Houston, Scotland).

Arthur leaves behind his son Iain McKinlay and his wife Betsy of South Carolina, his daughter Linda Qualters and her husband Rick of Oakham; grandchildren, Eric Qualters, Robyn McKinlay, and Lesley Brule; and great grandchildren, Leo Qualters, Alice Callahan, Cody Callahan, and Iain Brule. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in America, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

He is predeceased by his wife Isabella; and siblings, Davey, Willy, Isa, Betty, Margaret, Ina, and May.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Arthur's life during a calling hour on Sunday, June 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for his family please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com