ROD MACKENZIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROD MACKENZIE Roderick Malcolm Mackenzie died peacefully on March 9, 2007 at aged 82 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Rod leaves behind his loving family; his wife of 54 years, Bea, his daughters, Laurie (Kerry), Heather (Bill), and his son Ken (Sharleen), and his grandchildren, Hugh, Kaitlin, and Scott, as well as his cousin Marie (Henri) Enns and her family. Rod grew up in Erickson, MB with his parents, Marion and Robert and his brother, Douglas. His family spent summers at Clear Lake, where Rod developed his love of the outdoors and camping. When he finished High School, he joined the navy. While waiting to be called for duty, Rod worked in the German POW camp in Riding Mountain National Park. His gift for languages led to him learning a fair amount of German while he was there. He later applied this knowledge in his naval work, serving on convoy duty in the North Atlantic until war's end. He worked on a ship as a Huff Duffer (High Frequency Direction Finding), locating U-boats by listening in on their radio communications. After the war, Rod worked as an orderly at the Brandon Mental Hospital while he was waiting to enter university, and as a summer job. This experience stimulated an interest in medicine. Rod initially took pre-med courses at university before switching to education. He attended United College (University of Winnipeg) and earned his B.A., and then went on to the University of Manitoba and graduated with a B.Ed. Rod worked as a teacher for 36 years. He taught in Onanole, Gilbert Plains, (where he met his wife, Bea), and Brandon. Rod and Bea moved to Winnipeg in 1954, where he taught at River Heights Junior High School, Churchill High School, and Victoria Albert Elementary School. In addition to his love of teaching, Rod's broad range of interests included books, music, games, photography, poetry, and history. Rod also loved to travel. He took the family on road trips across Canada and the U.S., camping in the trusty Silverliner tent-trailer. After the children were grown, Rod and Bea enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world. He had a great curiosity about other cultures and languages. Rod also had a special passion for his Scottish heritage. He and Bea travelled to Scotland numerous times, where Rod researched the Mackenzie clan and visited his Scottish relatives. Rod was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 7 years ago but he was still able to enjoy collecting books, listening to music and socializing until fairly recently. The family wishes to thank the second floor staff of the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for their kindness and caring during Rod's last days. A private gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate Rod's life. Donations in Rod's name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. NEIL BARDAL INC 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2007