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
14 Responses
My organization is Veterans Voices of Canada based out of Sylvan Lake,Alberta. I was so very fortunate to have met,sat with and thanked Bruce during my on-camera intervierw with him while visiting Vancouver Island to document our heroes. Bruce was such a friendly,kind man and after an hour with him it seemed like we knew each other for years. So very sorry for his passing,and condolences to you all.
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.
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.
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.