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JOHN (EOIN) MACKENZIE (EOIN)
Born: Dec 15, 1935
Date of Passing: Mar 19, 2020
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JOHN (EOIN) MACKENZIE
He was predeceased by his wife May and parents, William and Jessie MacKenzie.
He is survived by his children, John (Debbie), Vikki, Shona and Alan (Kathryn); granddaughter Lara, who already misses her pal so much; brother Brian (Joan); nephew Mark (Paula and Aysling); and his close companion Carol. He will also be remembered by the Fraser family and many other friends and relatives in Scotland, as well as the many connections he made in the Winnipeg music community.
John was born on December 15, 1935 in Inverness, Scotland. He started playing music at young age, which led to playing with the Royal Air Force Band. While in Scotland, he worked at the Tomatin Whisky Distillery before starting a career in health care. Given limited employment opportunities, he and May moved the family to Selkirk, MB in 1964. He spent a few more years in health care before becoming a social worker with the City of Winnipeg. After his retirement in 1994, he focused his time on two of his favourite things; his granddaughter and his music, which they also shared together. He played fiddle with Comhaltas Winnipeg, the Southglen Fiddlers and regularly at Folklorama's Pavilion of Scotland with guitarist Ed Goletzki. Even when his health took a turn last year, he still played as much as he could because it's "all about the music." He last performed at a jam night at Sam's Place on January 31, 2020. The Auld Yin was also known for his great hosting skills ("I'll pour your first drink, but after that you're on your own.") and love of Scotch whiskies – which we've learned should never be poured with a measure.
The family will hold a private service and a celebration of John's life will be held at a later date (somewhere with drinks and music.)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"Cheers, Dad.
We love you and miss you already."
www.voyagefuneralhomes.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2020
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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John is a man who will be truly missed by so many and in such a variety of ways. He was always a true highland gentleman and It was my privilege to know him. As a family friend, we had many fun times together at parties and other social gatherings where a wee dram of whisky (okay, more than one large dram) was consumed. At my first invitation to May and John's home in Transcona after a social evening, John got out his fiddle and got all our toes tapping. His love of music was only surpassed when speaking of his granddaughter, Lara, when his heart would beam with pride, I am thankful for the friendship I share with the family. To Carol, who brought extra joy to John's final years, my heart goes out to you. Our lives were all enriched for having known John! To all the family, I'll look forward to seeing you when we can safely gather in his memory. Cheers! - Posted by: Joyce Hooper (Family friend) on: Mar 28, 2020
