Sydney River/Christmas Island
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of our brother, John Roderick MacKenzie, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Sydney.
Born in Christmas Island, November 19, 1949, John was the son of the late Neil and Sarah Catherine (MacNeil) MacKenzie. He was a lifelong member of St. Barra Parish, Christmas Island. A quiet person, who valued his privacy, John demonstrated great strength and courage throughout his illness.
John’s life has always been guided by his strong Catholic faith. He found great comfort in his daily Rosary and TV Mass and was very appreciative of the prayers and support he received. He was fluent in Gaelic, enjoyed sharing stories, and many people were fond of his dry sense of humor.
In his younger years, John spent time hunting with his Uncle Hector and neighbor, Donnie. In recent years, he liked spending time working in his garage. A true dog lover, he never met a dog he didn’t like! He looked forward to his many jaunts with his canine friend, Max.
John had a very strong work ethic and rarely missed a day of work during his 53 years of employment. He started his career as a fuel truck driver and was employed for 13 years with Shell Canada, 14 years with W.A. MacLeod & Sons, and over 20 years with Humpty Dumpty/Old Dutch Foods.
After his retirement, John greatly enjoyed driving a school bus with the local school board. He shared many entertaining stories of his daily interactions with the children. For over thirty years, John worked as an Auxiliary Constable with RCMP detachments in Sydney Mines, North Sydney, Cape Breton, Membertou and with the Cape Breton Traffic Service in North Sydney. He felt great pride and gained immense satisfaction from time spent in this role. John treasured the lifelong friendships he made as a member of the Auxiliary RCMP.
John is survived by his siblings, Neil (Diane), Sydney, Theresa MacKinnon, Sydney, Anne (Kevin) McCormick, Sydney, Sandra (Tony) DePompa, Scarborough, Sharon (Doug) Wansbrough, Belwood, Andrea, Etobicoke, Keith (Marie), Westmount, Kevin (Anne), Big Beach, and David (Terry), Christmas Island. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews and long-time friend, Myrna.
Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his brother-in-law, James Andre MacKinnon.
Visitation for the late John MacKenzie will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in St. Columba Church, Iona. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. with Rev. Victor and Rev. Ray Huntley officiating. Interment in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island, with reception to follow in the Christmas Island Fire Hall. The family requests masks be worn.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the St. Barra Cemetery Fund, Mass for Shut-Ins or Local Food Bank.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Our condolences to John’s family and many friends. I knew John when he worked with Shell, he was a good friend and worker. May he rest in peace.
From: John Shannon
Rest in peace john…one of the most pleasant person I’ve known and funny too.. and was great to talk to over the air as his dispatcher for many years
From: Alex Benoit
Sincere condolences to John’s family. He volunteered many hours with me on Sydney Highway Patrol while I was stationed there. He was a wonderful, quiet man but I truly enjoyed his company. My he RIP.
From: Clayton Vokey
Anne , Keven & Family
So sorry to hear of John passing My thoughts & Prayers are with you. May God Bless You All
From: Ada JANE Hagen
Kevin, David & family
I was saddened to learn of your brother’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
From: Debi Freeborne
Neil, Diane and Family, I am sending my condolences, prayers and hugs to comfort you at this time of John Roderick’s passing.
From: Pat Jacobs
My deepest sympathy to you. John was a great person, and a wonderful friend. I will always remember him. God bless.
From: Paul Carrigan
My Condolences to the family; John was liked by everyone, RIP.
From: Roddie Mac Neil
I’m very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a great man to work with, quiet, reliable and a gentleman. I did not know he was fluent in Gaelic, but it would be like John not to boast about anything. My sincere condolences.
From: David MacLeod
Dave & MacKenzie family & friends: So sorry to read of John’s passing. Our condolences to everyone.
From: Tim & Jean Lynch
It’s with sadness to hear the passing of my 49 er cousin John R . A few yrs. ago John R and other 49 er cousins came together to celebrate our 70 th birthday
It was a grand celebration to all be there..🙏
Rest with the angels John R… you were a beautiful person… love Lexie( Gillis) and husband John Martin.. Miramichi N. B.
From: lexie ( Gillis) Martin
So sad to hear about Johns passing. He was always such a nice
quiet friendly man. Condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace
From: Mary Lewis
Please except my most sincere condolences on the passing of John. John was a client of mine for many,many years and I always looked forward to seeing him when he came for his haircut,,he always had interesting stories especially some humorous ones from his days working with the RCMP,,He will be missed by his many friends and neighbors,,
My deepest sympathies go out to all of John’s family and friends.
John worked for me at Humpty Dumpty / Old Dutch Foods.
He absolutely optimized superior and professional salesmanship in every way, every day. He was a true gentleman and very respected in the retail community. I don’t think John had a mean bone in his body. It was a sad day when he retired and an even sadder day to hear we lost a beloved member of our Old Dutch family.
“Rest in peace John”.
Our sincere condolences to The MacKenzie Family.
Diane & MikeMcCormick
My deepest condolences to his family. John was a great friend and work mate I am very saddened by his pasting rest in peace my friend.
John was a neighbour of ours when we first moved to Spruce Haven Dr…always a fine gentleman, we looked forward to having a chat over coffee when we’d see him at Tim Horton’s in Sydney River. Our sincere sympathy to John’s family & friends in the loss…
Our sincere condolences to each of you!
Dear MacKenzie Family:
Our sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your brother, John R. May you all find peace in the strength of your faith and in the closeness and love of your family. Rest in Peace my 49er cousin.
Love and prayers Anne Doreen [Gillis] and Bailey McCrea and family
Dear Neil Joe, Diane, Theresa, Anne, Kevin, Sandra, Tony, Sharon, Doug, Andrea, Keith, Marie, Kevin, Anne, David & Terry and the MacKenzie Family.
I can’t believe that my 49er double first cousin, John R., is gone! We had so many laughs over the years. I remember Aunt Catherine telling me that John R had told her that I had called him for his birthday, and that I left a singing happy birthday message. Aunt Catherine told him, yes that is what Valerie does!
When the five, 49ers [Lexie Gillis Martin, Roddie Farrell, Valerie Ann, Kathy MacLellan Royal and John R, along with Anne Doreen Gillis McCrea, and Judy MacLellan Walsh] got together for our 70th birthday, John R., was the one to suggest that we go to supper at the Governor’s Pub in Sydney. We did and what a very wonderful evening that we all had together with lots of stories and laughter!
Rest in Peace dear John R.
Love, prayers & hugs your 49er cousin, Valerie Ann xoxo
Dear MacKenzie Family:
May you all find peace in the strength of your faith and in the closeness and love of your family.
Rest in Peace my 49er cousin
Love and prayers, Anne Doreen [Gillis] McCrea and Baily McCrea and family
Saddened to learn of John’s passing. A friend and former colleague as a Member of the RCMP family within Sydney Subdivision. John’s unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Auxiliary Program spanned nearly four decades and his vast knowledge of the patrol jurisdiction and the folks within it were invaluable to countless new Members posted to Sydney Sub with whom he rode beside. Rest In Peace John. May God speed you on my friend.
Neil, Diane and family
My sincere condolences on your loss. I hope fond memories of your brother help to ease your pain during this difficult time.
Neil, Diane & all the MacKenzie family please accept our sincere condolences we are so very sorry for your loss.
Condolences to John’s family. Often you hear people say “he was a great guy” well never was it more true a fact than for John. I am glad to have patrolled with him and met him in my years. There has never been a nicer more helpful guy than he. He will be missed by all that ever had a chance to meet him. We will miss you buddy.
What we have left are precious memories of our loved ones. Remembering the happy time we had at the 49 er supper in Sept,2019 ,just after our dear brother Harold passed. So glad I attended ! John R was a fine gentleman with such a warm spirit.
For the MacKenzie Family, may you be blessed with beautiful memories of your brother, John R, knowing that a life so well lived will be richly rewarded in heaven. Wishing God’s strength and love will keep you all close, extending comfort in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, John R.
Judy(MacLellan)Walsh and family.
I am a school bus driver and got to know John during his time spent with the CBVRCE. A very nice guy, indeed!
My condolences to his family.
John White, New Waterford.
I met John when we both worked at W A MacLeod. He was quiet, and always pleasant and friendly. I know many people will miss him. My condolences to him family.
Very sorry to find out about John..He was a good man & fine gentleman & aslo contributed greatly to Cape Breton in may ways. Rest in peace.
Keith, Marie & family: Sincere condolences on the passing of John. May he Rest In Peace.
I knew John from the road for many years. Great guy and a great worker. The company’s he worked for were lucky to have had him.If anyone should make it to heaven it is John. With great respect Tom Gale.
I was saddened to hear of John’s passing as I grew up with him where he boarded with us on Spruce Haven Drive for 13 years. John was a loved member of the family and remained in constant contact with mom and dad until their death. Such a respectful, caring and unassuming gentleman, John travelled every weekend to be home with his family in Christmas Island. I extend my sincerest sympathy to his family and friends who mourn his untimely passing. He will be greatly missed.
Dear MacKenzie Family,
I read with interest the obituary for your loved one John Roderick. I offer you my own condolences and a prayer for John and you his family.
I was struck by the mention of his faith , work ethic, his joys in life including his participation with Mass For Shut-ins . I am pleased that we were able to bring some hope and meaning to his life. I am impressed and want to thank the family for suggesting donations in John’s memory to Mass For Shut-ins.
Fr. Bedford Doucette, Producer, Mass For Shut-ins
Dear Anne—My heartfelt condolences to you and the family—thoughts and prayers are extended to all—Rest In Peace John
Our deepest sympathy is extended to John R. family and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. John R will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.May our Heavenly Father welcome him into his Kingdom. Rest in Piece John R.💔 Carmella and Connie MacLellan
So sorry to hear about John. From being stationed in the Sydney area for many years I had the pleasure of working with John on several occasions. He was true gentleman and I enjoyed our shifts together.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace.
Oursincere condolences to the Family of the late JR Mac kenzie. May he RIP. MARILYN BATES AND FAMILY
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Mackenzie family on the passing of John. We are in Calgary visiting our Grandchildren but you are in our thoughts. John was a special person noted for his kindness, gentle spirit and warm inclusivity of everyone he met. We know your happy memories of John will help with your healing at this sad time. May you always feel
His loving presence with you. Sincerely Phonse and Angela Gillis
All our thoughts and prayers are with his brothers, sisters, family, and friends! He was a very private man who had eyes and a smile that said it all. Rest In Peace John R. You will be missed happy hunting.
Doris and family. Xo
Our thoughts and prayers are with his brothers, sisters, family, and friends. He was a private man with eyes and a smile that said it all! Rest In Peace John R. You will be missed! Happy hunting!
Doris and family. Xo
It’s with great sadness to hear the passing of my dear 49 er John R.
You were well known and loved by all who knew you..a few yrs. ago myself and other 49 er cousins celebrated our 70 th birthday together…
Sending our love..strength and prayers to all John R. Family…
You all were a great support to you dear brother..
I went to school with John and I was the same age. He was a gentleman in every way. All I have to say is that if more people like him were in the world, it would be a much better place.