In Memory of

Gordon

Russell

MacKenzie

Obituary for Gordon Russell MacKenzie

GORDON RUSSELL MACKENZIE

JULY 23, 1928 – NOVEMBER 24, 2013


After a long and happy life ?Papa? passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on November 24, 2013. Gordon is survived by Madeline, his loving wife of 58 years, his children Scott (Robin), David (Brynne), Maureen (Gary Richardson) and his beloved grandchildren Leigh, Alana, Kate, Mac, Cam, Callum and Renee. Gord was predeceased by his parents Russell and Jean.


Gordon was born in Winnipeg, and grew up in River Heights where he attended Kelvin High School, and was active in Older Boys Parliament. Gord was an athlete who sustained an enduring passion for all sports throughout his life. He played junior hockey for the St. James Canadians. He was a life member and past President of the Winnipeg Squash and Racquet Club, which became in later years his favorite destination for a soup/sandwich, and meeting place with old friends and acquaintances. Gord coached River Heights Bantam A hockey, and hardball, and served on the executive board to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Gord also played tennis, downhill skied, and golfed, enjoying memberships at Niakwa and Southwood. Gord and Madeline spent many enjoyable winters in Florida golfing regularly with friends they?d come to know through the game. Gord refused to give up his clubs, always looking forward to one more round.


Gord?s professional life began with the 3M Company followed by Steel Structures Ltd. Enjoying sales he then started Gordon R. MacKenzie and Assoc., a real estate company that later merged with Oldfield Kirby & Gardener. He was approached by A.E Le Page, sold the company, and was appointed VP for the Manitoba & Saskatchewan region. He attempted retirement, three times, however was drawn back to the industry with Delbro and ultimately Superior Management.


Gord helped many, and his tireless contribution to the community was exemplary. He was a founding member of the Rotary Club Fort Garry Branch, served as President and Life member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board, he was a member of the HSC Research Foundation Board, member of the Board of Regents for the University of Winnipeg, Chair of the Board of Stewards Fort Garry United church, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, which he served for 26 years, and life member of the Advisory Board. Gord was adamant that he would not just ?sit? on a board, he was there to work and did whatever was needed. He was an effective fundraiser for political, and social endeavors, never afraid to ask for funds for an important cause, he got the tough jobs done and made the difference.


Gord treasured time spent with friends and family at the MacKenzie cottage in Lake of the Woods. He loved picnics and boat rides, where Madeline, as in their married life, ably navigated by his side.

Gord was above all an ?old school? good guy, a true gentleman who adored his wife, loved his family, and was a kind and thoughtful father, papa, uncle and friend. Gord articulated through his actions his belief in hard work, respect for all, fair play in work and sport, and commitment to family.

Papa, thank you for the lessons, we will miss you always!


The MacKenzie family would like to thank all the staff of 5E, St. Boniface Hospital for their care and kindness to Gord.


In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Salvation Army.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Andrews River Heights United church at 255 Oak Street and Kingsway.


The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

680 Archibald Street

204-253-5086

ejcoutu.com











GORDON RUSSELL MACKENZIE

JULY 23, 1928 – NOVEMBER 24, 2013


After a long and happy life ?Papa? passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on November 24, 2013. Gordon is survived by Madeline, his loving wife of 58 years, his children Scott (Robin), David (Brynne), Maureen (Gary Richardson) and his beloved grandchildren Leigh, Alana, Kate, Mac, Cam, Callum and Renee. Gord was predeceased by his parents Russell and Jean.


Gordon was born in Winnipeg, and grew up in River Heights where he attended Kelvin High School, and was active in Older Boys Parliament. Gord was an athlete who sustained an enduring passion for all sports throughout his life. He played junior hockey for the St. James Canadians. He was a life member and past President of the Winnipeg Squash and Racquet Club, which became in later years his favorite destination for a soup/sandwich, and meeting place with old friends and acquaintances. Gord coached River Heights Bantam A hockey, and hardball, and served on the executive board to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Gord also played tennis, downhill skied, and golfed, enjoying memberships at Niakwa and Southwood. Gord and Madeline spent many enjoyable winters in Florida golfing regularly with friends they?d come to know through the game. Gord refused to give up his clubs, always looking forward to one more round.


Gord?s professional life began with the 3M Company followed by Steel Structures Ltd. Enjoying sales he then started Gordon R. MacKenzie and Assoc., a real estate company that later merged with Oldfield Kirby & Gardener. He was approached by A.E Le Page, sold the company, and was appointed VP for the Manitoba & Saskatchewan region. He attempted retirement, three times, however was drawn back to the industry with Delbro and ultimately Superior Management.


Gord helped many, and his tireless contribution to the community was exemplary. He was a founding member of the Rotary Club Fort Garry Branch, served as President and Life member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board, he was a member of the HSC Research Foundation Board, member of the Board of Regents for the University of Winnipeg, Chair of the Board of Stewards Fort Garry United church, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, which he served for 26 years, and life member of the Advisory Board. Gord was adamant that he would not just ?sit? on a board, he was there to work and did whatever was needed. He was an effective fundraiser for political, and social endeavors, never afraid to ask for funds for an important cause, he got the tough jobs done and made the difference.


Gord treasured time spent with friends and family at the MacKenzie cottage in Lake of the Woods. He loved picnics and boat rides, where Madeline, as in their married life, ably navigated by his side.

Gord was above all an ?old school? good guy, a true gentleman who adored his wife, loved his family, and was a kind and thoughtful father, papa, uncle and friend. Gord articulated through his actions his belief in hard work, respect for all, fair play in work and sport, and commitment to family.

Papa, thank you for the lessons, we will miss you always!


The MacKenzie family would like to thank all the staff of 5E, St. Boniface Hospital for their care and kindness to Gord.


In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Salvation Army.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Andrews River Heights United church at 255 Oak Street and Kingsway.


The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

680 Archibald Street

204-253-5086

ejcoutu.com