Jason MacKENZIE

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MacKENZIE: Jason Ashley Clare MacKenzie, Nov 17, 1976 – August 25, 2012. Our Jason lived life to its fullest and was always ready for a new adventure. He grew up on the family farm near Pipestone, Manitoba. He played all sports and enjoyed the great outdoors with his two brothers. He loved hockey and was a devoted Blue Bomber and Winnipeg Jets fan. He was absolutely thrilled to see the Jets return last season. Jason was the family ‘go to person’ when questions of world events, geography, history and sports could not be answered. He loved any kind of music and laughed telling his Mom when buying his truck he picked the one with the best sound. Jason was raised in the world of horse racing and it was his love for thoroughbred race horses which would steer his path in life. After high school he was accepted at the Irish National Stud, Tully, Kildaire, Ireland. Upon graduation he travelled throughout England and Scotland reuniting the MacKenzie family with relatives whom they had long since lost touch. Back in Canada he began his career in British Columbia but the thrill of the race track called and he returned to Manitoba to Assiniboia Downs where as a child he watched the horses bred on their home farm have so much success. Jason soon passed his trainers test and the first horse he saddled went right to the winner’s circle. He quickly built up a stable of horses with clients from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Jason married Sheryl Anderson in 2000 and together they raced at Assiniboia Downs, Woodbine (Toronto) and Gulfstream Park (Hollywood, Florida) and Fort Erie. In the fall of 2002 Jason was thrilled to bring their tiny daughter, Sarah, home from Ontario to meet his family. He moved to Edmonton in 2006 where he did farrier work and was part of the Gate Crew at Northlands Park. Jason met many famous racing personalities during his career but was most proud of the picture of his little daughter taken with three Hall of Fame jockeys at Northlands on the Canadian Derby Weekend 2008. Jason spent one winter working on the oil sands in Fort McMurray. In January 2012 he returned to Pipestone to work for Gavin training as an MWD for Millennium Directional Ltd. During his off time he was a big help on the farm to his Dad and Gavin. Rylee and Luke adored Uncle Jason. He teased Rylee relentlessly and loved teaching Luke his new wrist shot. In a few short months he turned Luke into a lifetime Jets and Bomber fan. Jason was extremely proud of his two brothers and had a special relationship with his ‘sister’ Cheryl. Jason cherished every moment he had with his daughter Sarah. Despite being separated by many miles he made the most of his precious time with her. Not only was Dad tons of fun but there was a lot of learning on those long car rides along with a few Johnny Cash songs. His only concern “whatever’s best for Sarah.” Jason was a hardworking, compassionate, humble man who chose to see the best in everyone he met. He had a great sense of humor, a beautiful smile and a boisterous laugh we will never forget. A memorial race was run for Jason at Edmonton’s Northlands Park on September 8th. His family is truly humbled by the tributes and condolences received from those he touched. Jason’s family honored him with a very personal celebration of his life on September 4th at Pipestone, Reverend Glenn Whetter officiating. Paul bearers were his race track friends Lynn Shaw(Gainsborough, SK), Brian Dukart (Estevan, SK), Terry Wedge (Winnipeg, MB), Jared Brown (Washington), Darren McEachern (Edmonton, AB), Ross Quewezance (Kamsack, SK), John McKenzie (Bon Accord, AB). Ushers: school friends, Jason Wooldridge and Shawn Plaisier of Virden. Jason was predeceased by his Grandparents Alex and Gertrude MacKenzie. Jason will forever be remembered and loved by his darling daughter, Sarah; parents, Kimberly and Graham, two brothers, Derek (Eva) and son Cole of Lexington, KY, Gavin (Cheryl) children Rylee and Luke; Grandparents: Clare and Betty Hicks of Virden, MB; Aunts, Donna (Shel)Cook and son, Troy (Nicole) Davies and daughter Makenzie all of Saskatoon; Jacqueline Hicks, Lisa Hicks, Tanya Hicks, Marla (Alan) Wilson and sons Coyle, Dalton and Leif of Virden, MB; Uncles, Morley (Donna) Hicks of Deloraine, MB; Ryan (Sara) Hicks of Virden(MB); Brendan (Trisha) Hicks and son Lincoln of Hartney, MB; Sarah’s mother Sheryl (Jeff)Vickers children Wyatt and Lily of Blackfalds, AB. If friends so desire donations may be given to the Pipestone Kiddies Playground, Box 99, Reston, MB. R0M 1XO or a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 17, 2012