We Remember

MACKENZIE, John Elwood

—

Born November 15, 1930 to George and Amy in Canavoy, Prince Edward Island, the fifth of nine children; passed away June 20, 2015 in Kelowna, BC.

 

After spending his early years on the family farm, he moved to Marathon, Ontario in 1950 and went to work for Marathon Pulp Mill where he was a Heavy Equipment/Crane Operator for the next 39 years.  He was highly respected for his precise operating skills on the heavy machines and whenever there was an unusual or challenging job to do the catch phrase was, “call MacKenzie.”

 

He married Mary Lu in 1957 and they raised their family in Marathon until his retirement in 1990 when he moved to Kelowna, BC.  He spent his time working in his garden, learning to swim and play bridge, travelling extensively and camping in the motorhome when and wherever the whim would take him.  He always had a trusty dog by his side.

 

He was a very kind and gentle man whose greatest delight was spending time with his family, his dogs and especially his four grandsons.

 

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all his family and friends and especially wife Mary Lu, sons Richard (Cathy), and Chris (Bill) and grandsons Jordan, Jasper, Benjamin and Carson.  He was predeceased by sons David and Peter.

 

Service at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC on Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m.

 

Donations in lieu of flowers to the charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Donations in lieu of flowers to the charity of your choice.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for MACKENZIE, John Elwood is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Doris Lockie says:
    June 24, 2015 at 8:43 am

    Chris and family,Sorry to hear about your father. Bob and Doris Lockie

    Reply
  • Beverlee Burton says:
    June 24, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Mary Lu
    Sorry to learn of Elwood’s passing. I always remember him being sort of a gentle, quiet man with a twinkle in his eye – which I always read as a quiet sense of humour. It would seem that he lived a good life and, that is all any of one of us can really strive for. Condolences go to Richard, his family, Chris & his partner.
    Peace to all of you at this time.
    Sincerely,
    Beverlee Burton

    Reply
  • Linda Richards says:
    June 25, 2015 at 3:52 am

    Mary Lu and family, I was very saddened to hear about your loss of a husband and father and grandfather. Thinking of you all at this time.

    Reply
  • Corinne Hooper says:
    June 25, 2015 at 10:50 pm

    Mrs. MacKenzie, Richard, Chris and families I was sorry to hear of your husband’s/father’s/grandfather’s passing. I remember him to be a quiet man with a gentle smile. I hope your memories, and the thoughts and care of others help to sustain you during this very difficult time. Corinne Hooper (nee Huska).

    Reply
    • Chris Mackenzie says:
      July 1, 2015 at 6:04 am

      Corinne, thanks for you kind thoughts. We were all at his bedside, including 3 of 4 grandsons.
      Chris

      Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:27 am

    One of my first trips to Marathon, Uncle Elwood with eyes twinkling overtop of his mischevious grin invited me for a ride in his special convertible. It had leopard skin seat covers, chrome all over, a finely tuned high powered engine and..,….,…. He talked about it for days, saying when time, weather etc. was just right he’d get it out of garage and take me for a cruise. Finally the day came, I heard the ROAR of a high powered engine and out came me Uncle in a vision of a primered metal, half jeep looking thing with leopard blankets thrown over front bucket seats and some huge looking front bumper. His devilish grin ever present, he nodded for me to jump in. And we were off down about 20ft. of road, then off into the busch! I never saw a dirt or gravel road, not even a trail, we just crashed through the trees, bounced over boulders and when we came to side of mountain Uncle Elwood just adjusted gears and we were up n over it. I swear we were crashing through the countryside at 100MPH for hours!!! Probably more like 10/20 MPH for 15 minutes. I was fortunate to have a couple such rides in what was loving deemed “Uncle Elwood’s Busch Buggy”. Never did see any chrome? Such fun, warm memories of a special man. Love n miss you always tell my Mom and rest of family same for them from me.

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Photos of my Uncle Elwood

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Another photo of my Uncle Elwood

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:37 am

    More photos of my Uncle Elwood

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Uncle Elwood family reunion 2007

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Uncle Elwood ‘n’ Aunt Mary Lu 50th Anniversary

    Reply
  • Kathy Cain Collier says:
    June 26, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Uncle Elwood Marathon Rod and Gun

    Reply

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They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

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I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

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