JOHN MALCOLM MCKENZIE

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JOHN MALCOLM MCKENZIE Peacefully, on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, John Malcolm (Mac) McKenzie, beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 82 years. John is survived by his beautiful, loving wife Norma; four daughters, Laurel (Bob), Karen (Larry), Patti, Johanne (Barry), and one son Gordon (Christine); as well, 14 grandchildren of whom he was incredibly proud: Ali, Stef, Laura, Todd, Mac, Gordie, Cam, Katie, Jake, Luke, Elle, Jack, Ava, Reese and one brother Don. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Ian and Ray, and sisters Alyce, Lorna, Margaret, and Kay. John loved life and people, living every moment to the fullest. He was born September 27, 1929 in Brandon, Manitoba to parents Donald Gordon McKenzie and Katie Bell McKenzie nee Cole, growing up the second youngest in a family of four boys and four girls. John was raised in Brandon until 1935, when his family moved to Winnipeg, residing at 298 Yale, attending Grosvenor, Robert H Smith and Kelvin High. He completed two years at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Agriculture, leaving to work for Cockshutt Farm Equipment, Dominion Rubber and then, with an entrepreneurial spirit, moving to Brandon in 1958 to operate his own business; J.M. McKenzie Tire Service. His passion and strong interest in agriculture led him back to the industry with a long career spanning 30 years with United Grain Growers (UGG). Initially travelling as Field Service Rep based in Brandon, John advanced to Area Manager in Winnipeg head office, retiring in 1992. He loved his UGG career and developed close relationships with many employees, farmers, and other industry colleagues across the prairies. He was loved and respected by all for his leadership style and humour. John was extremely proud to have all his children graduate from University of Manitoba with degrees in Agriculture and continue his legacy of commitment to the industry. In 1957 John married Norma McCulloch and together they successfully raised a family and developed wonderful, lasting friendships around the world, including a special life long bond with the "Old Gang" and Sigma Lambda Phi Frat brothers. He instilled a significant love for family in each of us, which included gatherings of family and friends throughout the year. Glorious times together at Clear Lake, where his spirit will always be felt deeply, is his immeasurable gift to all of us. John enjoyed happy times with Norma and friends curling, golfing, playing badminton and tennis, as well, cheering on the Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Vikings. He was an avid reader and talented poet, writing many poems commemorating important occasions. He will be remembered for his love of the prairies, sharing strong opinions on the importance of prairie people and their contribution to Canadian life. John believed if you had not experienced life in and people from the prairies, you had not experienced a full life. Rest in peace wonderful man, you lived a great life, with a smile on your face. "We will always remember who we represent." A Celebration of John's life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 61 Picardy Place (Portage Ave). Heartfelt thanks to Olga and the palliative care team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, or CancerCare Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2012