JOHN WILLIAM MACKENZIE

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JOHN WILLIAM MACKENZIE Peacefully, after a courageous battle with ALS, John passed away at home Wednesday, February 7, 2007. John will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Lynne; his father Bill; his sisters, Barb (Alan) and Shelagh (Rod); his in-laws, Herb and Lil; Glen (Rose), Gerry (Kate), Gord (Anne), Brenda (Rick); and his nieces and nephews, Colin, Carolyn, Steven, Michael, Kerri, Graeme, Geoffrey, Brett, Carly, Korin and Kerri-Lynne, as well as many dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother Joyce in 2001. John was born in Montreal on February 19, 1953 and raised in Fort Garry. John loved the outdoors. As a youngster, he enjoyed many wonderful camping trips with his family traveling from coast to coast across Canada. John and Lynne enjoyed several trips to the Caribbean, with Barbados being John's favourite getaway. John preferred to work outdoors and enjoyed a long career with Winnipeg Hydro and later Manitoba Hydro until his illness made it impossible for him to continue working. During his last years, John displayed enormous courage, quiet strength and determination fighting hard to battle ALS. Throughout his journey, he never once complained, always looking on the brighter side and showing concern for those around him. He never lost his wonderful sense of humour and his expressive bright blue eyes always told us so much. John's real passion in life was photography. He was truly a gifted artist. His memory will remain with us through the gift of his unique and touching photographs. We are very grateful to Diana Rasmussen and Sue Erickson who ensured everything was in place for John's care at home. We are grateful too for the compassionate, understanding care provided by the Palliative Care Nursing Team, especially Harriet, and to all of John's Home Care Workers. Without their support, John would not have been able to spend the last year at home. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched...For nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much. A celebration of John's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2007 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish are encouraged to make donations to the ALS Society of Manitoba, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2007