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JOHN KIRK MCKENZIE
Born: Jun 12, 1932
Date of Passing: Jan 15, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN KIRK MCKENZIE June 12, 1932 - January 15, 2016 John, beloved husband of Irene, died peacefully with family around him, at the age of 83 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. John was predeceased by his parents, Kit and Jack McKenzie; brother David; sister-in-law Pat; brother-in-law Lyn; and grandson Scott. He is survived by Irene, his loving wife of 59 years; daughters, Ann (Chuck), Lesley (Brian) and Alison (Chantal); sons Robert (Melanie) and John; goddaughters, Patti and Lisa; grandchildren, Maia (Geordie and great-grandsons, Theo and Jasper), David (Judith), Brittany, Paul, and Liana, siblings Mary and Jim; sister-in-law Myra (Perce); as well as many family members overseas. John will also be missed by many friends, colleagues, patients and students. John was born in Hong Kong to New Zealand (NZ) Presbyterian missionary parents. The family moved back to New Zealand three years later. His family lived in various parts of New Zealand, with much of John's schooling in Wellington and Dunedin. John met Irene in the summer of 1952 when they were working and climbing in the Southern Alps. He graduated from Otago University Medical School in 1956 and Irene and John were married in December that year. They worked for three years in the North Island where Ann was born. Lesley and Alison were born in Dunedin where John completed his residency in Internal Medicine in 1963. He received a Nuffield Research Fellowship and the family moved to Oxford, UK for three years, where he pursued research involving the kidney enzyme renin. The family returned to Dunedin where John continued his research at the Wellcome Institute along with clinical work until 1969, when they moved to Canada. John participated in research, teaching and clinical work involving kidney disease and high blood pressure for many years at the University of Manitoba and the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. Through his clinical work he developed a passion for bioethics and helped to establish the bioethics program at the Faculty of Medicine. Irene worked with John in his research lab from 1978 until her retirement. John published numerous papers in several fields of medicine. He was well known for his innovative approaches, such as training nurse practitioners for his hypertension clinic in the early 1980's. John will be remembered by patients and colleagues as a kind, compassionate and dedicated physician. John's many interests included rugby (playing and coaching), mountain climbing, running, and later in life, golf. He enjoyed outdoor activities and spent many weekends and holidays with his family hiking, canoeing, swimming, sailing and cross-country skiing. Irene and John's island cottage at Minaki, Ontario was a favourite place for family and many friends. They enjoyed travel, including winter holidays on Kauai. John was generous and hospitable and volunteered with countless organizations, including the Kidney Foundation, Physicians for Social Responsibility and committees of the United Church. There was always an extra place at the table, and an extra bed at home or cottage. John loved to sing, adding his bass voice to many choirs throughout his life, most recently the Bison Men's Chorus. The family often sang together on road or canoe trips. John loved to cook and enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends. John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a respected physician, researcher, medical teacher and community activist. He will be greatly missed. Special thanks to the staff of the Prime program at Misericordia Hospital (especially Anna Cotroneo), Action Marguerite PCH (especially Paul and Tessa), wards H7 and D4 at HSC, and to Drs. Brian Penner and Sheila Domke. Special thanks also to The Alzheimer Society Manitoba and to the leaders and participants in the Thursday morning Alzheimer's Support Group, as well as to the many dedicated staff of Home Instead. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 9Z9, or to an organization of your choice. Memorial service and reception will be held at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. across from Brookside Cemetery, on Wednesday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2016
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I would like to pass on my condolences to the McKenzie family, albeit a little late, from the extended McKenzie family from Waipu. I had the pleasure of meeting Ann when she was working at the Whangarei Hospital in 2004. A special connection linking our McKenzies. My brother Dellae, who has had his DNA done is helping to sort our family tree. The McKenzie family home in Waipu, Applecross, is still lived in by a great grandson of the Prince. The poem," Captain John McKenzie " hung in the homestead at Applecross for many years. I have a copy of this poem. Special blessings to our Canadian family. Kind regards from Marie Evans Hukerenui, New Zealand - Posted by: Marie Evans (nee McKenzie) (I am from Trevor, Neil, Norman(Tom) Duncan (Prince) McKenzie) on: Nov 12, 2017
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I remember Dr McKenzie from the clinical setting at HSC as a profoundly kind and conscientious physician. I also remember him as a wonderful grandparent attending his grandsons' events at WMES in their elementary school days. Thoughts and prayers with you all as you grieve and as you honour his life. May you be blessed with many wonderful memories. - Posted by: Pam Poulter Friesen (friend) on: Jan 22, 2016
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Our sincere condolences to Irene, Ann, Leslie, Alison and family. John (and Irene) was very special to us. You were our Minaki family and we were blessed to have known you and to have shared our love of Minaki and the lake. We have many fond memories to look back on. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Carol, Leonard, Graham and Timothy Pressey (Friend) on: Jan 20, 2016
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Very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good man, and I am honoured to call him a friend. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Ralph Jell (Friend) on: Jan 19, 2016
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John was an incredible pioneer in the area of medical ethics in Manitoba. He was the first physician in this province to obtain further specialized education in the area of medical ethics and was responsible for many firsts in this area - including offering clinical ethics consultations at the Health Sciences Centre and developing and promoting bioethics education in the medical school. He cared deeply about his patients and his students and did all he could to ensure they were treated well. He was a great friend and mentor and was an inspiration for an entire generation of physicians and ethicists in this province. - Posted by: Merril Pauls (Friend and colleague) on: Jan 19, 2016
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It was an honour and pleasure to know John McKenzie; he was a gentleman and one of the most respected members of the Faculty of Medicine. He was a soft spoken man, wise and humble with a warm and engaging smile and a big heart. He was never too busy to meet with medical students, encouraging them, mentoring them, and building their confidence. Medicine in Manitoba is better off today standing as it has on the shoulders of one of the giants of our generation. You have done good. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Charles Paragg (Acquaintance) on: Jan 18, 2016
