Roy Sheldon MacKenzie

Passed away December 27, 2012, in Chilliwack, aged 82 years. Born in Pictou County, son of Harold and Gladys. Studied at Acadia University (Nova Scotia), Presbyterian College (Montreal), St. Andrew's University (Scotland), and the University of Munster (Germany). Ordained to the Presbyterian Ministry in 1958. Married his wife Jay in 1962. Served as minister at St. Paul's Presbyterian in Eckville, Alta., First Presbyterian Church in Montreal, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (The Kirk) in St. John's, N.L. He became full-time teaching faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1972, and he taught there in the Department of Religious Studies and at Queen's College Anglican Seminary in St. John's until 1994. In 1988 he was the recipient of the first Memorial University President's Award for Teaching Excellence. He "retired" initially to Nova Scotia in 1994 where he taught at St. Francis Xavier University, preached whenever and wherever possible, and wrote prolifically, producing ten books of sermons, meditations, and church history. Together with Jay, he moved to Chilliwack in 2001 and they have enjoyed their time here greatly - surrounded by new friends, family, mountains, and warmer winters. He was a mentor to many, a poor but enthusiastic golfer, and was beloved by his many friends and by his family. His sense of humour and generosity of spirit will be missed. His family is very grateful for the superb and compassionate care provided to him for the last 11 years by his family physician, Dr. John Chow. He is lovingly remembered by Jay, his wife of 50 years; his son, Mark (Megan) and daughter, Clare (Darrow), and by his grandchildren, Anna, Charlotte, Malcolm and Joshua whom he adored. Also his surviving siblings - Shirley, Clifford, George, and Marian. His family would be grateful for any memorial donations to be made to the donor's charity of choice. Funeral service will be held in Chilliwack United Church, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013. A Memorial Service will also take place in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (The Kirk) in St. John's on January 6 in the afternoon; and another Memorial Service will take place in Salem Presbyterian Church, Pictou County, in the summer of 2013, date to be announced.