Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie

On Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Portage District General Hospital, Ian MacKenzie passed away at the age of 91 years.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Annie MacKenzie; brother William MacKenzie and brother-in-law William A. West.  Left to cherish his memory are his sister Mary West; his surrogate family, the Vopnis and many friends.

Ian was born and educated in Fort William Ontario, now known as Thunder Bay.  He served in the RCAF and came to Portage la Prairie as a member during the Second World War.  Met and served with W.H. Vopni from Carberry Manitoba.

He returned to residency in Portage la Prairie in 1946, joining W.H. Vopni who had purchased Graphic Liberal printing Company, Owners of the Portage la Prairie Daily Graphic and the Portage Leader.  Later purchased the MacGregor Herald and the Neepawa Press.  In 1970 he purchased full interest in Vopni Press Ltd. when the plant was located at 200 Saskatchewan Ave. East.  A new and present plant was built in 1984 and he remained President and Publisher until 1989, selling to Bowes Publishers Alberta.

While operating Vopni Press Ltd. the newspaper earned the largest number of newspaper competition awards, provincially and nationally.  The new plant built at 20 ^th and 21 ^st streets was the most modern Plant in the province at the time.

MacKenzie served as national president of Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association, President of Manitoba Community Newspapers Association and was later appointed a life member, director (national) of the Canadian Daily Newspapers Publishers Association and was a member of the Canadian Press.

He was an original director on the Board of Directors of the Manitobah Inn, now known as Days Inn.  MacKenzie was the first Director to establish Portage Community Cablevison, now known as Shaw Cable.

Ian’s community involvement was vast; he served eight years as Mayor, City of Portage la Prairie and nine years as councilor; was Past President of the Portage Lions Club, the year the Portage Lions Prairie Manor was designed and built, then served on the board for six years, three as Chairman; Past President (three years) and Life member of the Yellowhead Interprovincial Highway Association, winner of the “Tete Jaune” award.  He was presently serving as a member on the Senate of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regiment (The Little Black Devils). He was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Veterans Association and a member of the Portage Elks Lodge, the Assiniboine Lodge AFAM, Royal Canadian Legion.  Ian was a Scouts Canada Leader, former District Commission, Asst. Provincial Commissioner and was awarded a medal of merit and Silver Acorn.

He was a First Presbyterian Church Elder and a former director of Presbyterian Record Magazine.  He was also clerk of the Presbytery for Brandon for 23 years.

Ian was involved with the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission as vice chairman for 22 years, Past President of Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit and track announcer for 22 years.

He was presently a working member of four City committees; Portage International Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, Heartlands Community Services Committee and the Portage la Prairie Committee on ageing.

Viewing and visitation will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at Trinity United Church, on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm. led by Rev. John Zondag.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ian’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 17 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8 or to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com