Kenneth Albert McKenzie

Ken was truly an Albertan. He was born in Calgary; raised in small-town central Alberta; attended the University of Alberta; married an Edmonton girl; raised his family here; and was a founder of one of Alberta’s top law firms. He served overseas in World War II with a Calgary battalion, and on his return drafted most of the legislation governing Alberta’s fledgling oil and gas industry. As a young man he climbed many of the highest peaks in the Alberta Rockies, and for over 50 years he skied Alberta ski areas. Throughout his life he took a keen interest in Alberta’s history, geography, geology, politics and economy. In many ways he typified the spirit of the province.

Ken started university at age 16, during the depths of the depression. Due to the harsh economic times he was one of only two members of his graduating class in law to get a paid position as an articling student. On completion of his articles he joined the army, as war had broken out in Europe. In 1942, before being posted overseas he married Doris Grierson, the love of his life. They were together for 71 years, until her death in 2013.

After his return from the war Ken was the chief legislative draftsman for the provincial government until he joined Ted Bishop in 1952 to form the law firm Bishop & McKenzie. The firm grew rapidly, and became one of the top law firms in the province, with nearly 50 lawyers in offices in both Edmonton and Calgary. Ken quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding lawyer. He was awarded his Queen’s Counsel in 1955, just 3 years after his return to private practice, and throughout an illustrious career was regarded as a lawyer who combined top legal ability with the highest of ethical standards. Virtually everyone who worked with Ken looked to him as a role model, not just as a lawyer but as a person.

On six occasions during his career Ken was appointed as counsel to, or as commissioner of a Royal Commission. That likely makes him unique among Canadian lawyers, as few lawyers are appointed more than once. His last appointment was in respect of the Mindbender rollercoaster accident in 1986. After completing that commission Ken volunteered with CIDA and was posted to Lusaka, Zambia to draft legislation for the Zambian government. He was 71 at that time.

As highly regarded as he was, Ken was far more than just a lawyer. He contributed to the growth and development of the province by investing in oil and gas properties, partnering in a small manufacturing facility, and by developing real estate, including the Enchantment Valley subdivision at Wizard Lake south of Edmonton. He felt strongly that people should be active in the community. He was a founder of the Legal Forum and of the Little Club; for many years he was active in the Kiwanis Club, and was a pillar of Garneau United Church. At various times he was active in the Alpine Club of Canada, the Edmonton Ski Club, and the Pigeon Lake Yacht Club. He was instrumental in having the mission originally established by Robert Rundle at Pigeon Lake in 1847 designated as a national historic monument, and in having a new facility built on the site. For a time he was the mayor of the summer village of Itaska Beach where he continued to race dinghies until he was nearly 90. He was a keen photographer, and in 2008 a book was published featuring photos taken by him when he was serving overseas during the war.

Ken and Doris travelled the world together. They visited every continent except Antartica; and sailed, hiked, and toured in many exotic locales. Although he never complained, life was not the same for him after she died. She had been his best friend for 71 years. Family meant everything to him. Ken is survived by children Don, Heather Porter (Eric), Gordon (Agneta), Keltie Emery (Bruce); grandchildren Trond, Jill and Tyler Nilsen, Casey McKenzie, Julie Snowdon, Meagan and Randi Emery; and great-grandchildren Amelie and Zachary Snowdon, and Makoa, Rylee, Arraiya, Savanna, and Bailey Nilsen.

A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, 9810 – 34 ave.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rundle’s Mission Society or to the University of Alberta Law School.

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Edmonton, AB.