Obituary of James Frederick MacKenzie

Jim passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the age of 93 years.  Pre-deceased by his parents, Freda Decoursey (nee Davies) and William Ross MacKenzie, he is survived by his wife of 72 years, Vida (nee Oliver); his sister, Patricia Armstrong of Calgary; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dene and Tony Cottingham of Florida;  his son, Kim (Charlene) of Burlington; daughter, Cindy of Regina; and son, Scott (Darlene) of Regina;  four grandchildren, Tim (Maria), Nicolle, Noelle, and Ross and six great-grandchildren, Aidan, Aislinn, Adison, Alaric, Violet and Cohen as well as nieces, Cathy and Barbara, and nephews, Jim, Bryan, James, and Greg. Born in Winnipeg,   Jim moved to Regina in 1936 and attended Central Collegiate.  He served in World War II in the RCAF 734 Bomber Squadron as a wireless operator.  After the war, he worked at Northern (Electric) Telecom for 42 years.  An enthusiastic and loyal member of the Regina United Services Institute, Jim’s contributions to community service included the Corps of Commissionaires where he served on its Board of Governors, to the WaWa Shrine, as member of the Directors Staff and Recorder from 1988-1994, to the Regina Masonic Temple, dedicated member of Regina Rotary Club and as a reliable volunteer in the Liberal Party.  His joy of socializing, whether it be while curling, hunting, golfing, or sharing a cocktail and dinner, combined with his storytelling skills, and his mischievous sense of humour made him a delight to be with.  Jim’s favourite memories took him back to Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg where he spent his childhood summers, and later, to his cottage at Katepwa Lake where he especially loved to spend time with his family and his many friends.  Whistling symphonically as he mowed the lawn and observed the birds, Jim was relaxed and happy and open to sharing a chuckle with any who dropped by. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.   The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Bill Horbach for his special friendship with our father and his care as well as that of the staff at College Park Retirement Residence.  A Memorial Service at Speers Funeral Chapel in his honour will be announced at a future date.