Rev. John Martin McKenzie

I will raise the Cup of Salvation I will call on the Lord’s name (Ps. 116)

Family and friends sadly announce the death of Fr. John McKenzie after a very long and courageous battle with kidney disease and renal cancer.

 Left to live with special memories are his brother Luke (Darlene), sisters Suzan (Frank) and Catherine (Gordon), nieces Karlee (Dylan), Nicole and Sofia, nephews Julian and Marcus, and great-nephew André, as well as numerous relatives and friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas McKenzie (d. 2020) and Patricia Mary McKenzie (n. Reardon, d. 2011) and youngest sister Jane Magdalene McKenzie (d. 1997).

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Fr. John moved with his family to Trinidad, West Indies, at the age of eight years. At sixteen years old, he moved with his family to the Swan River Valley, Manitoba, where he attended high school. He completed a degree in Computer Science at the University of Manitoba, and spent his initial career at The Great-West Life Assurance Company (now The Canada Life Assurance Company), progressively moving to a management position. In his thirties, he was called by God to the priesthood, and over the years served as a caring pastor to several congregations in Manitoba. Known for his wit and humour, he was beloved and esteemed by his parishioners.

John’s faith, family, and friends were always a large part of his life. Among his greatest passions were food and cooking. 

He will be forever loved and missed.

The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the teams at St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, the Manitoba Renal Program and CancerCareMB, particularly Dr. Piotr Czaykowski who provided care. Special thanks to the staff at Riverview Health Centre, and to Karen Letts, a special friend and Funeral Director at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel for their care and compassion. 

In keeping with John’s wishes, he will be interred privately at Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, Manitoba, alongside his family members. 

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