MACKENZIE, Kenneth
May 30, 1925 - August 15, 2019
The Mackenzie family is deeply saddened by the death of their muchloved father, grandfather, and fatherin-law, at the age of 94. Ken died suddenly at the St. Catharines General Hospital, with his son John beside him. Ken was born in Shotts, Scotland and served in India and Singapore in WWII. Following the War, he graduated as a Civil Engineer, valedictorian, with honours, from Edinburgh University. There, Ken met his English wife Dorothy, a nurse. They immigrated to Canada in 1955. The core of Ken’s long and full life was in place: his wife and family, his Scottish roots, his work as an engineer, and his affection for Canada. Ken and Dorothy lived in Toronto, St. Mary’s, and Bowmanville, finally (and happily) settling in Port Dalhousie in 1976. They raised three children: Anne, Andrew (Lisbet), and John (Christine), and the family welcomed eight grandchildren: Jason, Jesse, Kenny, Maggie, Nina, Rodger, Stephanie, Victoria, and a great-granddaughter, Samantha.
Ken worked for many years with Metropolitan Roads, and then with St. Mary’s Cement Company. When he started his consulting engineering practice in St. Catharines, Dorothy was an active partner, and they worked together on projects throughout Canada and the U.S., as well as Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Dorothy died four years ago; she has been terribly missed by all.
Their big, old house on Canal Street in Port Dalhousie was the heart of the family. Heritage Advocacy galvanized Ken and many others, and they formed the Port Dalhousie Conservancy 20 years ago - the foundation for many of Ken’s most meaningful friendships. He was also the first President of the St. Catharines Board of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.
He never lost his lively interest in construction, masonry, and engineering, he was widely read (Burns, Dickens, Tolstoy -favourites), connected to his community, and closely, lovingly, involved with all his grandchildren. It was especially thrilling for Ken when his granddaughter Stephanie embarked on her studies as an engineer.
The family will welcome friends at the funeral service, at First Grantham United Church, 415 Linwell Road, St. Catharines on Sunday, August 25, at two o’clock in the afternoon.