Obituary of Ross Benjamin MacKenzie

Ross Benjamin MacKenzie, 82, of Meaghers Grant died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early hours of June 5, 2021. He was born in Meaghers Grant in May 1939 to the late Florence (Dares) and Owen MacKenzie. 

            

Dad was a dedicated and disciplined man, and even as a young boy prided himself in hard work. As the eldest of ten children, many responsibilities fell on his shoulders. When not in school, Dad spent many hours working on the family farm, where he fondly cared for a pet chicken in addition to other animals. This led to his love of animals, especially horses; he was a hobby farmer his entire life. He worked in lumber camps and on various farms throughout the community as well as in Craig, Saskatchewan. Dad attended Dartmouth Vocational School and was certified as an Oil Heat System Technician in 1973. He began his career in Halifax and was later self employed. Dad spent his last working years delivering mail for Canada Post in his home community. Dad was committed to his community and volunteered when he could. He helped organize and operate community dances in his earlier years. Growing up in his community, the Halifax County Exhibition was something he always looked forward to. He volunteered for over 30 years at the Exhibition and he was named Fair Person of the year in 2001. Dad was also a member of the Meaghers Grant Volunteer Fire Department and was acknowledged for a Heroic Act of Bravery in 2005.             

            

In 1962, he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Hawes. They married in August 1964 and together they raised a family of seven children and provided a loving home to countless foster children. Dad’s legacy lives on in his children: Glenn (Glenda), Meaghers Grant; Derrick, Mahone Bay; Douglas (Tanya), Lake Egmont; Danielle, Stewiacke; Valerie (Shannon), Stewiacke; Alanna (Zachary), Halifax; and Darryl (Janelle), Dartmouth. He will be dearly missed by: grandchildren Kyle, Deon, Dalton, Shaylyn, Cameron, Macy, and Rosetta, step-grandchildren Dillan and Taylor, and his great grandchildren Rachael, Wyllo, and Olivia. Also mourning are his siblings: Eileen Myers; Carol Vatcher (Rob), New Brunswick; Donnie (Leanne), British Columbia; Linda Deale (Kirk); Barbara Taylor; Ronnie (Sheila); and Donna Elliott (Paul). Dad was predeceased by brothers Ivan (in infancy), Kenny, and sister-in-law Elaine. 

            

Dad had an innate ability to nurture and love. He loved spending time with family and friends, spoiling his grandchildren, and attending family functions. He dedicated time to the care and keeping of his property and animals. Dad loved horses and spent many years showing horses and attending exhibitions across the Maritimes. Dad loved reading the daily newspaper and completing crossword puzzles; he loved listening to old time music, and dancing the fox trot and round waltz. In retirement, Dad became an avid card player, attended card parties, and especially enjoyed a good game of auction 45’s. He was an ardent Toronto Maple Leafs Fan, and enjoyed Saturday night hockey games. He never missed an opportunity to reminisce about all of the trips he took with Mum, and share stories about how the community has changed since his childhood. Dad liked to laugh; he enjoyed comedy sitcoms, teasing and a good chin wag. He had a sweet tooth and was forever sweet on Mum. Their enduring love and commitment to one another will always be imprinted on our hearts. Dad leaves a void in our family circle and his memory will forever be a comfort to us. 

            

Due to pandemic restrictions viewings will be arranged for family by appointment at Ettinger Funeral Home on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 9^th, and a graveside committal service for immediate family only will be held on Friday, June 11^th at 11am. The service will be recorded and will be viewable at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7522ae20-4955-4b1a-b949-85c7a62c70e5 or can be accessed through the funeral home website.

 

Donations can be made in memory of Dad to the QEII Health Foundation or the Meaghers Grant Cemetery Fund, 3896 Highway 357, Meaghers Grant NS B0N 1V0.

 

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Ross may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.