Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Whitney Pier
It is with deep regret that we, the family, announce the passing of Wallace ‘Wally’ Gregory MacKenzie. He passed peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by family.
Born in 1944, Wally grew up in Dominion until he married the love of his life, Sherry (Kyte) in 1966. Since then, he was a proud resident of Whitney Pier. Wally worked tirelessly for many grocery stores in Cape Breton, starting at Mendelson’s on Stirling Road in Glace Bay and ending his career at the Glace Bay Co-Op.
Wally’s retirement evolved into a new favourite pastime. He loved sitting on our front step at all hours, having a cigarette and chatting with everyone in the neighbourhood. It is incredible how many close friendships were made, just by sharing a few stories on the step. Until his health began to deteriorate, the folks on our street could count on Wally to come with his snowblower. If he knew a neighbour worked backshift, he cleared their driveway before they came home in the morning.
Years ago, during a multi-day power failure, Wally boiled water on his barbecue and delivered it to the neighbours in time for their morning coffee/tea each day. It seems simple, but that act of support sums up who he was and how he treated others. For any task or advice, it was often stated in homes throughout the neighbourhood, “We better check with Wally.”
His creative ingenuity can be found throughout the home he loved. Our Dad was both practical and artistic.
Wally was the youngest and last surviving of a large family of boys. He is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Dan Murdock and brothers, Leo, Joey, Raymond, Roddy, and John Hugh. The MacKenzie boys didn’t get together often through the years but when it happened it was always an event filled with incredible stories and memories.
Our Dad had a special connection with Mom’s late parents, Paul and Fran Kyte and the entire Kyte family. When Dad took ill last week, Mom’s sister, Kay and her husband, Butch (Art) dropped what they were doing to be by his side. We are grateful for their love and support, but especially, for the stories of their fun times together over the decades. We know that everyone on the Kyte side of the family loved our Dad.
Back in 2016, when Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th anniversary in Ontario, many of their relatives, some that they rarely get to see, made an incredible effort to spend time with them. Over the years, many of them also enjoyed Wally and Sherry’s hospitality when they visited Cape Breton. Dad thoroughly enjoyed these visits and was happy to share a meal or provide a room to anyone who wanted to visit.
Our Dad was proud of his children and grandchildren. It’s surprising how much his neighbours and friends know about all of us. Everyone we meet says how much he talked about us. His grandchildren, Stephanie, Adam, Sarah, Lex, and his great-grandchildren, Grace, and Liam, will all miss him and remember his kindness, his sense of humour, and his ability to turn a simple story into an epic tale.
Wally’s children, David (Nancy Roberts), Tom (Danielle LeBlanc), and Cathy (Brad MacLennan) owe him so much. Our Mom, Sherry, will miss him dearly. All of his friends and great neighbours know MacLeod Street will never be the same. Our Dad led a good life. He was a strong and authentic man, and we are grateful for his wisdom and guidance. We are as proud of him as he was of us.
Join us for a small celebration of Wally’s life on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Polish Village in the Pier. Drop-in between 2-4 p.m. to share a story or two with us.
In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you consider making a donation in memory of Wally to a charity of your choice.
Thank you to the ICU staff at the CBRH for your professionalism and kindness. A very special thank you to Kevin Moules and Kevin MacNeil for helping our parents.
Cremation is entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
2025
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice MACKENZIE Wallace ‘Wally’ Gregory 2025
obituaries notice MACKENZIE Wallace ‘Wally’ Gregory 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of MACKENZIE Wallace ‘Wally’ Gregory 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
