Robert MacKenzie
October 11, 1947 – December 11, 2021
Robert John MacKenzie died suddenly at his home on Saturday, December 11th, 2021, with his wife Patricia at his side.
Robert was born in Ottawa, Ontario on October 11th, 1947 to John MacKenzie and Lillian White MacKenzie. He was the second child, but the first “perfect son”, in a family of five children. He first lived in Aylmer, Quebec with his family, later moving across the river to Ottawa, Ontario. There, in the neighbourhood of Westboro, Robert grew up and attended school. He began his work career by taking a position with the Government of Canada, Department of Supply and Services, at Tunney’s Pasture, as a payroll clerk. He worked at various positions within that department for the next 13 years. In early 1974, Robert met Patricia, when she came to work in that same government department. This is where Robert’s habit of following Pat around first emerged. A practice that quickly led to a loving relationship that lasted for the next 47 years. Pat soon moved to be with Rob on the hobby farm that he was renting at the time, “back across the river”, at Quyon, Quebec. While continuing to work in Ottawa, Rob and Pat took up farming; raising sheep, ducks, geese and chickens. Later, they bought their first “fixer-upper”, moving into the village of Quyon itself. There, they easily slid into the life associated with rural, Ottawa Valley living. In June of 1980, once again following Pat around, Robert moved to Dryden, Ontario, where Pat’s family was currently living. Rob and Pat lived in Minnitaki for a short time before purchasing and moving into their house located in Britton Township, near the Dryden Ski Hill. Robert’s craftsmanship and abilities have been clearly on display throughout the transformation of that house from it’s humble beginnings to it’s present state of comfort. It has been their happy home for 30 years.
Newly arrived to Dryden, Robert decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, and become a self-employed house painter and decorator. After he had worked on his own for several years, Robert began working with a partner, Garry Murdick, under the business name of Hi-Lite Painting & Drywall. Following several years of working with his partner, Robert decided to return to working solo until the time of his retirement, about ten years ago.
Robert and Patricia were married on August 24th, 1991 in Manotick, Ontario, a small community near Ottawa. His family was thrilled to host the event, as they all believed Dryden to be much too far away from the rest of the MacKenzie clan. Over the years, Robert made many trips to Ottawa to visit the family that he loved. This being said, Dryden had become his home. In Dryden, he discovered great things to do and experience surrounded by great people. Robert fully enjoyed experiencing life in Ontario’s northwest, alongside the family and friends that he loved.
Robert is predeceased by his parents, John and Lillian MacKenzie, by his parents-in-law, Jack and Edna Donohue, and by his sister-in-law, Mary Adams {David} of Dryden, Ontario. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Donohue MacKenzie; his sisters, Cynthia Campbell {Ron} of Ottawa, Ontario, Nancy Hall of Deep River, Ontario, and Pamela Watson {Doug} of Carp, Ontario; as well as, by his brother, Brian {Lori} of Ottawa, Ontario. Robert is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Sean Donohue {Helen} of Eagle River and Mark Donohue {Brenda} of Kenora, Ontario; and by his sister-in-law Christine Donohue of Okotoks, Alberta. As well, Robert is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Steven’s Funeral Homes, 50 Albert Street, Dryden, Ontario. Due to the impact of current capacity regulations relating to the on-going Covid pandemic, attendance at the service is by invitation and for vaccinated guests, only. Otherwise, should you wish to share in the service proceedings, you may live-stream the proceedings by going to Steven’s Funeral Homes Homepage on Facebook {facebook.com/stevensfuneralhomes} and “liking” them. Interment will follow at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Canada, or to the Dryden Regional Hospital Equipment Fund through the Steven’s Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON, P8N 2Z1.
A special thank you to the EMS Dryden Branch, and to the OPP Dryden Branch, for their professional and supportive response during a very difficult time. Your efforts and kindness are appreciated.
