It is with great sadness that we announce our loss of Dr. Bruce MacKenzie on June 26st, 2017 at the Victoria General Hospital.
Beloved husband of Nikki for 67 years (deceased), devoted and respected father of Ross (Lea) MacKenzie, Jan (Dave) McAmmond, Ian (Beth) MacKenzie, Garth (Sue) MacKenzie. Bruce is also survived by his eleven grandchildren: Nicole (Craig), Robb (Galina), Matthew, Heather (Justin), Ryan (Toni), Shannon (Brian), Aaron, Kaytlyn (Matt). Daniel, Jake, and Chase; and by his seven great-grandchildren, Kayla, Nicolas. David, Eric, Grace, Jaycen, and Isla.
“Young Bruce” was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan in 1922, the sixth of eight brothers and sisters.
At 19, Bruce volunteered to join the Air Force – “the right thing to do” – Squadron 441. Bruce nearly altered the course of the war. Forced to take to the air in a blizzard to demonstrate Canadian flying power for an important visitor, Bruce’s wing hit a snow drift as he took flight, sending him straight for the command centre. Pulling on the throttle, Bruce flew straight up and over the tower. In the command centre, Winston Churchill turned and commented to those gathered, “Good Flyer.”
Squadron 441 was sent off to England in 1944, logging 852 hours. Bruce in his Spitfire notably participated in operations Market Garden and at 6:30 am escorted the first bombers on D-day. Bruce flew 131 sorties and received the Croix de Guere followed by the French Legion of Honour.
On his return from the war, Bruce graduated from dentistry at the University of Alberta and married Nikki (Nicholson). Bruce and Nikki teamed up to run well respected Pediatric dental practices in Edmonton and Victoria. Bruce made significant contributions to the practice of Dentistry.
Bruce and Nikki had a great zest for life. He traveled the world, not just for the vacation but to learn. He took time with his family to travel and showed us a better way. Bruce was progressive and an innovator, one of the first to buy solar panels and a hybrid car. Bruce supported the SPCA, he was an enthusiastic supporter of theater including Victoria’s Belfry and the Canadian College for Performing Arts.
Bruce loved winning and took great delight in supporting family achievements. Bruce was an accomplished athlete, and bridge player. He would respond to letters (if they were well written); he would always laugh at jokes (if they were well told); and he was someone who people would seek council and approval from. We lost our wing commander – a dapper, regimented, generous man, with a devastating wit, known for his kindness to all.
A heartfelt thanks to Dad’s caregiver, Linda Duana, who renewed Dad’s spirit.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Bruce’s doctors and caregivers for their kind care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA, Belfry or CCPA.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Muriel Hole
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Claudine Our love and deepest condolences to you, Ian and to all of your family. Reading Bruce’s obituary gives us only a glimpse of the amazing man that you had as a father. Knowing how involved Bruce was in the lives of his grandchildren, we easily see how he blessed the family with his love and interest. I pray that the love and support of your friends and the family will hold you up and ease the burden of sorrow in your hearts.
Our prayers and thoughts and love are with you.
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Fay Melling What an extraordinary couple Bruce and Nikki were. I only met your parents relatively recently in association with The Canadian College of Performing Arts. Their dedication to help the College, and to support other arts organizations, was remarkable. They leave a generous legacy that will be felt among our aspiring artist students for years to come. My deepest sympathies to your whole family.
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Ted Austin As a friend of Garth’s, I was very fortunate to be able to meet Bruce on several occasions. I know I never mentioned this to you before Garth, but I see where you got your great way with people from. Bruce was a gentleman, which he passed down to his son. The large MacKenzie clan has lost its father, grandfather and great grandfather. But he lives on in all of you. The Austin family wishes you all our very best in this difficult time.
Love Ted, Tammy, Emma and Cooper.
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Shelley Jordan Dr. Bruce was an amazing Man. Loved chatting with him in our office at his Dental appointments. Always had a good story to talk about and I always learned something from him ~ especially Dental things.
I am sad for your loss ~ to all of the Mackenzie family.
Condolences from your staff Garth.
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Catherine McKane I was sad to hear of Dr. Bruce MacKenzie’s passing. I work as a CDA for 10 years in his Hillside office many years ago. A bright yellow painted office that had a large battery operated mobile of “Snoopy & Woodstock “on top of Snoopy’s dog house — chasing the “Red Baron”.
Both Bruce and Nikki were very kind, thoughtful and generous to me and family while I was under their employ. I have many fond memories of them both. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
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John Perkins To Garth, Jake and Chase, my sister Susan and others of the Mackenzie family.
We are saddened for your loss and send our best wishes as you say your goodbyes, remember Bruce’s life, and comfort each other. Please accept our heart felt condolences. I only met Bruce once, at his home, and had the pleasure of talking to him on a sunny afternoon. It was an enjoyable exchange that left me wanting to get to know him better. And as we are planning a trip this summer out west, I had hoped to have another opportunity to chat with him this year. I have, in fact, built a little bit of Bruce into my history class material at school, reflecting on his exploits as a pilot in the war. Beyond what I share directly, his story is summarized in a presentation I regularly use and have shared with my colleagues for use in their courses. I will make sure his stone at the RCAF Museum in Trenton is set as it should be, on the path in memory.
Love, John, Denise, Michael, Riley and Elise
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John Hayman I was saddened to hear about Bruce.Some years ago I regularly played tennis with him and his relaxed air and competitive spirit invariably made the games enjoyable.
I was just four and living in the UK when the war began and I’ve always felt both indebted to Bruce and somewhat surprised that I was able to play tennis with someone who actually participated in the war. As you know, Bruce rarely talked about the war years, but I want now to pay tribute to his extraordinary achievement and his modesty–and also to convey my sympathy to you.
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Lesley, Katrina, & Whitney Brennan Garth, so sorry to hear about Bruce. Such an honour for you, Sue, Jake and Chase to have called him your father and grandfather, a truly amazing man. Thinking of you,
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The Branzsens We’re so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
I’ll always remember the times we got to fish together at Aurora Lakes. He was a great boat-mate who loved in depth conversations on almost any topic.
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Tom and Shirley Erskine Garth. It was a pleasure to have known Nikki and Bruce. A little story. Nikki kindly gave Shirl a gem stone from one of her trips to the far south. We had it put on a chain and remembered your parents every time Shirl wore it. You lucked out in the parent draw Garth and we were fortunate to call them friends. Regards,Tom Erskine.
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Lois and Gerry Gass We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our condolences go out to your family. Lois and Gerry Gass
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The Irwin family What an amazing life and person. Thinking of you Garth, Sue, Jake and Chase at this incredibly sad time, but you are also his proud legacy.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of your family in the loss of your great “Wing Commander”. What a wonderful example he set for all of you.