Sydney River/Christmas Island
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our brother, John Roderick MacKenzie, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Sydney.
Born in Christmas Island, November 19, 1949, John was the son of the late Neil and Sarah Catherine (MacNeil) MacKenzie. He was a lifelong member of St. Barra Parish, Christmas Island. A quiet person, who valued his privacy, John demonstrated great strength and courage throughout his illness.
John’s life has always been guided by his strong Catholic faith. He found great comfort in his daily Rosary and TV mass and was very appreciative of the prayers and support he received. He was fluent in Gaelic, enjoyed sharing stories, and many people were fond of his dry sense of humor.
In his younger years, John spent time hunting with his Uncle Hector and neighbor, Donnie. In recent years, he liked spending time working in his garage. A true dog lover, he never met a dog he didn’t like! He looked forward to his many jaunts with his canine friend Max.
John had a very strong work ethic and rarely missed a day of work during his 53 years of employment. He started his career as a fuel truck driver and was employed for 13 years with Shell Canada, 14 years with W.A. MacLeod & Sons, and over 20 years with Humpty Dumpty Snack Foods.
After his retirement, John greatly enjoyed driving a school bus with the local school board. He shared many entertaining stories of his daily interactions with the children. For thirty years, John worked as an Auxiliary Constable with RCMP detachments in Sydney Mines, North Sydney, Cape Breton, Membertou and with the Cape Breton Traffic Service in North Sydney. He felt great pride and gained immense satisfaction from time spent in this role. John treasured the lifelong friendships he made as a member of the Auxiliary RCMP.
John is survived by his siblings, Neil (Diane), Sydney, Theresa MacKinnon, Sydney, Anne (Kevin) McCormick, Sydney, Sandra (Tony) DePompa, Scarborough, Sharon (Doug) Wansbrough, Belwood, Andrea, Etobicoke, Keith (Marie), Westmount, Kevin (Anne), Big Beach, and David (Terry), Christmas Island. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews and long-time friend Myrna.
Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his brother-in-law, James Andre MacKinnon.
Visitation for the late John MacKenzie will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in St. Columba Church, Iona, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Victor and Rev. Ray Huntley officiating. Interment at St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island, with reception to follow at the Christmas Island Fire Hall. The family requests masks be worn.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the St. Barra Cemetery Fund, Mass for Shut-Ins or Local Food Bank.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MACKENZIE John Roderick 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia