JAMES ALEXANDER MCKENZIE

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JAMES ALEXANDER MCKENZIE James Alexander McKenzie, born July 4, 1921 passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. Born in Ivy Cottage New Byth, County of Aberdeen, Scotland to James and Christina (Jessie) McKenzie. Dad came to Winnipeg at the age of three months where he grew up on William Avenue. Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth, of 55 years, his son Andrew, infant daughter Christine, and brother-in-law Rod Bailey. Left to cherish his wonderful memory are his children: son Jim (Emma), daughter-in-law Linda, daughters Lorna and Sheila (Mel). Dad was so proud of all his grandchildren, Michael (Rachel), Jody (Mike), Alana (Charrisa), Jason (Samantha), Shawna, Heather (Adam), AJ, David (Mikaila), Ian (Camille), and Kristine Carol "KC", great-grandchildren Claudia, Abigail and Cecily, his sister Gladys, brother Edward (Dorothy), and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Dad worked hard all his life - his first job was as a paperboy for the Winnipeg Free Press while going to school. After graduating high school he took a night course to learn about electricity. He then started his 42-year career with Manitoba Telephone Systems. He started his career with the Manitoba Telephone Systems in 1940 but was interrupted by the Second World War when he joined the Manitoba Dragoons until his release in 1946. Dad never spoke a lot about the war to his children but loved to share his war stories with his grandson David. Dad came back from the war in 1946 and continued his career with the Manitoba Telephone System. It was here he met the love of his life Ruth, they married in 1949 and started their family. Dad enjoyed curling, skiing, bridge, poker, golf and fixing things. Dad really enjoyed our summer vacations and we will all remember the song Cannibal King; and our campfire play Peter and the Wolf, being taken on a bear hunt, and of course those wonderful memories of our car trips with all the mishaps and adventures ... we all survived. Dad shared his love of golf with Mom, Andy and his grandson Michael, his love of history and politics with his grandson David, and his love of electricity with KC. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Deer Lodge Centre, a special thank you to Kim from Lodge 7 for making Dad's last hours peaceful. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Avenue. Flowers are gratefully declined, should friends so desire donations in Dad's memory to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 0L3. Bardal Funeral Home 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 Parking Behind Funeral Home Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2015