Oswald Herbert McKenzie
July 07, 1918 – March 11, 2021
McKenzie, Oswald Herbert, 102 years of age passed away on March 11, 2021 while in respite care at Camp Hill in Halifax. Dad died suddenly from a heart attack while enjoying a game of chess.
He was born in Clam Harbour on July 7th, 1918 to parents Herbert and Winnifred (Siteman) Mckenzie. He was predeceased by his wife Rita and daughter Irene. He was the last remaining member of his immediate family, predeceased by siblings Laurie, Susan, Evelyn, Kenneth, Eugene and Irma. He is survived by his daughter Jeanie Burke, grandson Ian Burke and son Robert Mckenzie.
In 1939, at age 21 Dad joined the army to serve his country and was among the first contingents of Canadian troops to arrive in the U.K. In 1943, as part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, he landed in Sicily, taking part in the Sicilian campaign as a prelude to the invasion of mainland Europe. After the closing of the Sicilian campaign, the Canadians moved on to the invasion of the Italian mainland where along the line of the Moro River and during the battle for Ortona, some of the bitterest fighting of the war occurred.
After the war, Dad moved to Ontario to find work and met and married his wife, Rita. He was a social democrat, a founding member of the NDP, a teamster and somewhat of an agitator. He fought for labour rights, for a 40 hour work week, was fired for his part in a wildcat strike in 1966 and it wasn’t until Jimmy Hoffa came to Canada to help settle the strike that he got his job back. He demonstrated against the Vietnam War and for civil rights. He remained interested in politics until the end.
After retiring he returned to Nova Scotia to reconnect with family and enjoy his later years. He loved being outside whether it was chopping wood, sitting on the deck sunning himself or getting out for a walk. He was an avid reader and a bit of a news junkie, always anxious to know when his Economist magazine was going to arrive in the mail, and annoyed when the paper was late.
Dad’s life wasn’t always easy but he remained upbeat and never lost his sense of humour. Although at the age of 98, he finally agreed to move in with his daughter, he remained independent, and willing and able to make his own decisions until the very end. A special thank-you goes out to his caregiver (and favourite chess opponent) Alexia Blaney who provided him with unparalleled TLC. Alexia, your companionship meant the world to him. Thank you also to the kind and caring staff on 5 West at Camp Hill who were with him when he passed.
At Dad’s request, he will be cremated and there is to be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Oswald Herbert McKenzie July 07 1918 March 11 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia