“Mac” passed away peacefully in his sleep October 23, 2022 at Victoria General Hospital.
He is survived by his sisters Isobel Lucas of Oakville, Ontario, and Betty Mackenzie of Maple Ridge, BC. Daughters Sydney Ann Wilson and grand-daughter Ravyn Wilson of Victoria, BC. Son Hugh John Gerald Wilson of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, grand-daughter Serena Boonstra (nee Albers) grandson Hugh Rolf Liam Mackenzie and grand-daughter Ariel Jean Richt Mackenzie. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Annalie, Daryn, Westley and Yvaine Boonstra (Serena) as well as many nieces and nephews.
“Mac” was predeceased by his loving wife Jean in 2016, sister Molly Clozza in 2019 and his brother Donald Mackenzie in 2010.
Mac had a very fulfilling life at sea and enjoyed it very much. Being raised on Digby Island, Prince Rupert gave him an affinity for the sea as in order to get to school he took a 14-minute boat ride. He had a brief office job in Vancouver but he preferred the water. He originally went to sea at age 20, in 1955 and started on the offshore boats for a number of years. He was hired on with the Coast Guard where he learned to work on older engines, which he had a knack for. Mac then moved to BC Ferries where he worked on several the original V-Class ships. After a few years, he moved on to the Fisheries Patrol based out of Victoria. He then got onto the tugs, where he remained for the rest of his career, starting with Shields Navigation and eventually he progressed to Seaspan Towing where after a long number of years he did eventually retire.
Mac was the kind of neighbour that if you needed a hand, he would offer his assistance or show you how something worked. He was always up a good laugh whenever possible and he had a good pleasant disposition – treated people well. He always provided for the family with a roof over their heads and food on the table.
A Celebration of Life for Mac will be held on November 7th at 2pm at McCall Gardens, Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hugh John Grant Mackenzie May 25 1935 October 23 2022..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique