GEORGE BURNETT MACKENZIE

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GEORGE BURNETT MACKENZIE

October 11, 1954 - August 18, 2026

With his two children at his side and listening to "Fire and Rain", our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle "GeoMac" passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC, on August 18, 2026.

George is survived by daughter Lauren (James), son Eric (Jessica), granddaughters, Sadie and Paige, brother James, sister Kimberley (Roger), sister-in-law Mel, and nieces and nephews, Meghan, Ryan, Aiden and Kyle. He was predeceased by mother Donna MacKenzie, father Bob Burns, and brother Kevin.

George was born in Winnipeg and raised there by his mother through childhood. His grandparents, Jessie and George Duncan, also played an important role in his upbringing. During his youth, he attended Salisbury School, Morse Place Junior High and Miles MacDonnell Collegiate.

George built a successful career and many long-lasting friendships in the insurance industry, working as claims adjuster for several firms over four decades. He transferred to Vancouver for a short period in the mid-'90s before returning to Winnipeg to join James Dube Spraggs Adjusters Ltd. as a partner in 1995. He remained there for more than 20 years until his retirement.

George was a standout youth football player, primarily as a running back. He was named MVP of his Midget-level league and was inducted to the Football Manitoba Hall of Fame as a member of the 1971-72 Winnipeg Hawkeyes team. He had a lifelong passion for sports - George was an avid golfer, a season-ticket holder for the Blue Bombers and Jets, and a longtime member of the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club.

George was also a talented pianist, guitarist and vocalist who enjoyed performing, recording and writing music throughout his lifetime. That included several years touring with the group JAB (Just Another Band From Winnipeg) in his teens and early 20s, and decades more playing local gigs and performing live with friends, known to many as "Elton George".

He had a deep appreciation for fine dining and wine, always in search of the latest restaurant, bottle or recipe to try. There was no place closer to his heart than Falcon Lake, where he owned a cabin in the Toniata area for many years and loved hosting family and friends.

After retirement, George moved to Kelowna, where he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, playing golf and boating on Okanagan Lake. In his outgoing and charismatic nature, he quickly formed a social circle in BC and kept active with friends.

George chose to pursue MAID after receiving a dementia diagnosis earlier this year. In lieu of flowers, donations to support the Alzheimer Society or CTE research are appreciated. A Celebration of Life is planned for this winter in Kelowna.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2026