HARRY WHYTE

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HARRY WHYTE McKENZIE Peacefully on January 7, 2000, at the Deer Lodge Centre, Harry Whyte McKenzie, husband of Marjorie, passed away with family at his side. Harry was born on July 2, 1923 in Winnipeg, and grew up in the Elmwood area of the city. Harry will be loved and remembered by his wife Marjorie; daughters, Gail (Dave Couper) and Pamela (Randy Van Caeyzeele) son, Keith (Darlene Mulligan) grandchildren, Sean, Billie and Kelly. He is also survived by his two brothers Jim (Marj) and Jack McKenzie. Harry served in the Air Force during the Second World War as a crewman on a Lancaster Bomber. Harry and his fellow crew mates survived 31 OPS. When he returned to Canada he continued his commission as an officer, training air crew. After the war, Harry worked at Systems Equipment Ltd. as a compositor. On a blind date arranged by friends, Harry met his future wife, Marjorie Smith. They were married in 1948. In March 1950 they moved into their new home in Riverview, but one month later, with flood waters rising, they were forced to leave. Harry helped sandbag the Churchill Drive dike, and was there when the dike fell. In the late sixties, Harry started up Pegboard Business Systems, producing one write systems. The company eventually became Safeguard Business Systems. In 1982, Harry took early retirement at the age of 58. Marj and Harry were delighted with the arrival of their first grandchild that same year. With Dads retirement, he was finally able to pursue his lifelong dream. He obtained his pilots license, and went on to pursue his instrumentation and aerobatics ratings. Harry also volunteered for CASARA (Canadian Air Search and Rescue Association) and was active with the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Wartime Pilots and Observers and the Winnipeg Flying Club. Marj and Harry enjoyed many summers at the family cottage in Sandy Hook. Wonderful neighbours, Ed and Louise Velcamp, and Bob and Diane Irving made it possible for Mom and Dad to continue visiting their cottage when Dads health began to fail. Dad spent the last few months with the caring staff on T3 at Deer Lodge Centre. The family sends a special thank-you to Ginny Vincent, whose support and compassion helped up through a difficult year. A celebration of Harrys life will take place on Thursday, January 13, at 4:30 p.m., at the Western Canadian Aviation Museum, Flight Deck, 958 Ferry Road. If so wished, donations may be made to a charity of ones choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2000