Obituary Overview
William “Doug” McKenzie
McKenzie, William “Doug”
January 5, 1924 – December 4, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Doug at the age of 94. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Peggy; sons George (Gloria), Richard (Marla), Alex (Wendy), and Tom (Karen); grandchildren Kim (Scott), Sheri (Marc), Maria (Mike), Jordie (Jen), Melissa (Mark), Ashley (Myles), and Michelle (Sam); and great-grandchildren Makayla, Jordan, Tristan, Taisyia, Kaleah, Brooklynn. Doug is predeceased by his parents, George and Francis, and sister Anita.
Doug was born and raised and spent all his life in Edmonton. He was a loving and committed Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Doug was quick to make friends and had many. He was always active in community, church and sports. Family was always first and very important to Doug it factored into all he did. Doug’s warm heart, sense of humour along with his strong desire to involve everyone built and will maintain many fond memories.
During World War II Doug enlisted in the Royal Canadian Airforce. He served for 3 years as an air gunner (tail gunner) in the Halifax and Lancaster aircraft. This included a tour of duty flying missions from England primarily over Germany on bombing runs.
Upon his return to Edmonton Doug returned to work with CNR. Doug (Friendly as he was known to many a railroader) loved his time on the railroad and gained many more good friends. He finished his career as a locomotive engineer after 39 years at the age of 60.
Doug married Peggy Campbell November 1, 1947 (71 years). Together they raised their four sons George, Rick, Alex and Tom. They were very active not only with their boys but also in their grandchildren’s lives. Together they attended as many of their activities as they could. He was a strong presence at many a rink and sports field. The cabin Doug built with help from Peggy the boys and many a family member was one of his favorite places.
Doug was a dedicated and committed member of Mount Zion Church. He was always willing to assist in anyway he could be it as a board member, with church services or programs or helping with maintenance duties.
Doug’s love of sports, in particular hockey and his strong commitment to youth led to his involvement in coaching, work with Edmonton Metropolitan Hockey Association, Alberta Amateur Hockey Association, Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, Men’s Senior hockey and an exchange program with Japan. He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of fame in 2009 (Hockey Builder Pioneer).
We would like to thank everyone for their support, prayers and many kind messages. A special thanks to the many staff members that provide dad support daily during his last year at Lewis Estates.
Doug was predeceased by his parents George and Francis and sister Anita.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 4pm – 8pm at Evergreen Funeral Home, 16204 Fort Road. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 2:30pm at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 11533 135 street NW.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church or Youth Emergency Shelter Society.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Doug McKenzie 2018..
Source: Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta