Ian Fraser MacKenzie

Ian passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025 at the New Vista Care Home after many years of living with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his family.

Ian was born to Violet (Fiskar) and John Mackenzie on July 1, 1953. He was welcomed into the family by his three older siblings, Ken, Bruce and Marnie. He was followed in time by Ross and Holly.

He is survived by his former partner Jessica, his daughter Isabella and siblings Ken, Bruce, Marnie and Holly. He was predeceased by his mother, father and brother Ross.

Ian lived his whole life in Vancouver and was proud of his East Van roots. He attended David Thompson Secondary and then UBC where he began a brief career as an actor while completing a Bachelor’s degree. After graduation he began working for the Liquor Distribution Branch and did a stint as manager of the Commercial Drive liquor store before going to work for the LCB in a management capacity as a Labour Relations Advisor.

Ian had many skills, interests and accomplishments. In addition to being a fabulous and creative chief, he was an avid tennis player and cyclist. He loved music and played a mean guitar every Christmas for family events. There was a very special place in his heart for Emmylou Harris! As a serious culture buff, he loved plays and theatre. For many years he held seasons tickets to the symphony and opera, and he was often accompanied by his elderly mother as well as other family members. And of course, he was a wonderful father who deeply loved his daughter Isabella. He will be missed.

Ian retired in 2013 after his Parkinson’s diagnosis and was able to live independently for several years prior to his residence at New Vista.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Memorial Fraser Heights Chapel at 14835 Fraser Highway in Surrey on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. There will be refreshments and light fare provided. The family invites all of those who knew and loved Ian to join us in remembering and honouring his life.

When I am gone, release me, let me go,

I have so many things to see and do,

You must not tie yourself to me in tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness,

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time i travelled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call and i will come,

Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near;

And if you listen with your heart,

You will hear all my love around you, soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,

I will greet you with a smile and say

"WELCOME HOME"