Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
GEORGE BURNETT MACKENZIE
Born: Oct 11, 1954
Date of Passing: Aug 18, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE BURNETT MACKENZIE
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
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
-
So sorry to hear George passed away. Sending our sincere condolences Lauren and Eric to you both and your families. - Posted by: Barbara & Fred Reid (Worked at JDS while your dad was there before I retired. Barbara) on: Sep 08, 2026
-
Both myself and my wife Debbie worked in the insurance industry in Winnipeg as well. George was always friendly and a gentleman. We’re sending our sincerest condolences to all of his family. - Posted by: Dana Nieminen (Fellow adjuster) on: Sep 01, 2026
-
My sincere condolences to George’s family and friends. I remember George from high school as an incredibly talented athlete and musician but I remember him most for his very happy demeanour and that wide smile he always wore! Although we weren’t friends, George was always nice and friendly to me.He was liked by all. - Posted by: Don Hinds (School mate) on: Aug 31, 2026
-
Going to Morse Place Jr High, I remember George as a really good person who really did care about others.first. Kind. . My condolences to George’s family and friends Bev Downey. Vernon BC - Posted by: Beverley Downey (Old friend) on: Aug 31, 2026
-
I worked in the Insurance Industry for 37 years I took over George’s deck and files and car when he left Wawanesa to join JDS My condolences to Family and Friends - Posted by: Don Boultbee (Work) on: Aug 30, 2026
-
My condolences to the family, I met George at Falcon Lake when he came for some golf lessons, a great friendship was made instantly. We shared many rounds of golf, stories and meals over 20 year's . He was an extraordinary and Talented individual with a passion for life!! Rest in Peace my friend you'll be missed... cheers Coach - Posted by: Jeff Heiland (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2026
-
Although I spent most of my life in Winnipeg, I didn’t meet George until he retired to Kelowna. We shared many laughs and good times during our weekly golf games and were lucky enough to attend a practice round at the 2023 Masters in Augusta. It was a special week with golf, an Atlanta Braves home opener and a Hawks basketball game. I was always amazed at his vast knowledge of rock music history and caught a few of his solo gigs at the El Dorado Hotel in Kelowna. My time with George was far too short but I know my life was much fuller and richer for having known George. He was a true gentleman and I was honoured to call him my friend. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends. - Posted by: Rick Woodhouse (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2026
-
George & I grew up in Morse Place. We attended school & were in the same classes in Salisbury School. We played 3 years of football together, before juvenile, with George going to the Hawkeyes & myself going to the Mustangs. I remember George as being a fierce, dominating running back & a real leader. I remember being in awe of his piano playing skills even in high school, as sometimes he'd impromptu play in the lecture hall in Miles Mac. The last time that I saw George was in the 80's, running into him in downtown Wpg. We had a brief conversation, catching up on our lives. He was a friend forever. My condolences to Georges family. - Posted by: Tim Picken (Old Friend) on: Aug 29, 2026
-
My deepest Condolences to George's family and friends. I also had a career in the Insurance industry so our paths crossed during that time. - Posted by: Gail Rathbone-Hill (Insurance industry acquaintance) on: Aug 29, 2026
-
George & I performed and played music together for a few years. We also both worked at Wawanesa Insurance. A good, kind, friend and musical talent. Very sad that he has passed. - Posted by: Les Lytle (Friend , Musician) on: Aug 29, 2026