Colin Craig Mckenzie

March 13, 1923 – October 5, 2011

Veteran of World War II – Canadian Navy

Retired Winnipeg Firefighter

Proud member of the White Ensign and Royal Canadian Legions

Surrounded by his loving family, Colin McKenzie passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the age of eighty eight. Carrying on the memories of Colin’s life are his beloved wife of sixty three years, Judy; his children Richard, Carol, and Sandra (Joey); his grandchildren Katie Rose, Caitlin, Amelia, and Jillian; and Pia Carroll.

Colin grew up in West Kildonan with his parents, Samuel and Gertrude, and his brother Gordon. He was in the midst of a winning 1942 hockey season with St.Boniface when, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted with his friend Richard McDonald in the navy. The majority of his three years of service was as an Able Seaman – Leading Seaman Torpedo Man on the H.M.C.S Lunenburg. Throughout his life, Colin remained active in the White Ensign and Royal Canadian Legions, doing his part to honour the stories of the war and those like his chum Richard who never returned. He served as the White Ensign’s Vice-President, spoke on many Remembrance Days to high school students, and was involved in many Legion initiatives, such as the Poppy Campaign.

Colin was a man who lived to serve others and when he returned from the war he became a Winnipeg Firefighter. During the thirty sixth year of his career, he was on vacation and one day shared with Judy that he didn’t really feel like going back to work. She agreed that it was fine with her, so he retired on holidays in 1985 as Acting District Chief. He always loved telling that story.

In his retirement, Colin was able to spend time doing things that brought him joy, like curling, golfing, gardening, and traveling with his family. He was a life-time member of the Pembina Curling Club and golfed for many years at Transcona, although perhaps his secret favourite was the little nine-hole Crescent Drive, a three minute walk from home in the heart of his frequented and best loved walking path of Crescent Drive Park. Colin tended a bountiful and beautiful garden.

Colin was a special man, a fun, funny, sometimes grumpy, and always loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Our family holds so many wonderful memories of his spirit and will forever cherish the gifts he brought to our lives.

We would like to warmly thank the staff of Riverview’s 2West for your excellent care of Colin over the past few years; thank you also to all our Riverview friends for your smiles and handshakes and companionship. We also extend our appreciation to staff of Deer Lodge Centre, St.Boniface, and Grace Hospital for your care of Colin.

A celebration of Colin’s life will take place on Tuesday October 11th, 2011 at 2:00pm at Thomson Inn on the Park, 1291 McGillivary Blvd. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Colin’s name to the Winnipeg Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., 303-83 Garry St. Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4J9.