Don McKenzie
McKENZIE, Donald James
September 10, 1934 - January 10, 2018
Don McKenzie, beloved husband of Jean McKenzie of Calgary, passed away at the Rockyview General Hospital on January 10, 2018 at age 83 years. He was the loving father of Brian McKenzie (Heather) of Calgary and Debbie McKenzie of Calgary. He will also be dearly missed by his two grandchildren Megan McKenzie (Tyler Rambie) and Kendall McKenzie, both of Calgary. Don will be lovingly remembered by his brother George McKenzie of Brownvale, Alberta and sister-in-law Isobel McKenzie of Sebring, Florida. He will be missed by many nephews and nieces throughout the country. Don was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Laura McKenzie and by his sister, June Taylor, and by his brother Gerald McKenzie. Don was born the youngest of four siblings in Brownvale, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm in the Peace River Country and attended school in Brownvale and Berwyn. After graduating high school, Don joined The Bank of Commerce (CIBC) at Manning AB. He then went on to posts in Vulcan, Ft. Macleod and Edmonton. When Don was working in Hines Creek he met the love of his life, Jean Evans. They were married on August 4, 1958 at St Paul's United Church in Fairview, AB. Their son, Brian, came into the family when Don and Jean were living and working in Drumheller in 1961. Two years later, their daughter Debbie arrived when they were living in Calgary. The young family moved to Redcliff, AB when Don was transferred to open the new bank branch as manager. After four years in Redcliff, Don was again asked by the bank to open another new branch in Forest Lawn, Calgary. The remaining 25 years of Don's banking career was spent at four other positions throughout Calgary. Don finished his 39 year career in June 1993. He had an active and happy retirement ever since. Don and Jean enjoyed many camping trips with their young family and traveled throughout Canada, the US, UK and Europe. His hobbies included woodworking, fishing, curling, golf and needlepoint. Jean and Don enjoyed many years with neighbours and friends playing volleyball. They were active members of the Highland Swingers Square Dance Club. He was a great sports fan of the Flames and Stampeders and held Stamps season tickets for over 20 years. Don was always an active church member and for 50 years the family belonged to McDougall United Church where he served on a number of different committees and in a number of different clubs. He was always very active in the community; belonging to Jr. Chamber of Commerce, The Lions Club and Rotary Club. Don was a devoted family man. He was very involved in the lives of his children and was fortunate to have seen his two granddaughters grow up. Don was a kind and generous man who was always willing to help others. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, his honesty and his integrity. Don will be greatly missed by his wife, his family, friends and everyone whose life he has touched. The family would like to express their gratitude to all the caregivers of Unit 71 at Rockyview General Hospital for their kind and wonderful care. If friends, so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of their choice. A Memorial Service will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street SE, Calgary) on Friday, January 19, 2018
