Obituary of James MacKenzie
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Irving MacKenzie of Riverton, formerly of Stellarton in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit with his wife and daughter by his side.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Jim was born January 18, 1934 to his now late parents, Irving and Myrtle (MacDonald) MacKenzie.
Jim worked at many jobs throughout his lifetime. The latest was for the Town of Stellarton where he retired after 22 years service. Jim was a veteran of the Canadian Army and served a tour in Korea. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #28 Stellarton where he enjoyed a good many games of darts and dart tournaments. He enjoyed being at his cottage on Lochaber Lake with his wife Gladys, family and many friends. He loved to fish always catching the big one. At home he puttered around in his shed, surprising everyone with the things he would make. When anyone wanted something made, big or small, Jim made it. And his motto was, ”If you are going to do something, do it right.”Jim was a good friend to many and will be remembered as a kind and gentle giant of a man with an amazing sense of humor and who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Surviving are his wife Gladys (Whytewood), daughter Linda (Charles Cassidy) New Glasgow, granddaughter Mandy (Bryce Delorey) Frankville, great grandchildren Katie, Ashley and Alex Delorey; step- grandchildren Bryan (Ji Eun) Cassidy, Vancouver and Adrian Cassidy, Truro; sister Jean Trefry; half sister Kathy Nealis, and half brother Louis MacKenzie; step- sister Bernice (Jean) Monette, Quebec; maternal uncles Clarence MacDonald and AD MacDonald, numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Christine at age two, brother-in- law Walter (Buster) Kelly, a half -sister Doris Dwyer, stepmother Elizabeth MacKenzie, stepbrothers and stepsisters, uncles and aunts.
Cremation has taken place. Family will receive visitors on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 28, Stellarton will conduct a service at 6:30 Tuesday at the Funeral Home. His funeral service will be in Christ Anglican Church, Bridge Street, Stellarton on Wednesday at 11am with Reverend Darlene Jewers officiating. There will be a reception in the church hall following burial in Christ Church Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Aberdeen Oncology Dept, Aberdeen Palliative Care or a charity of your choice.