As a criminal defence lawyer I can say Ian will be fondly remembered. A fair man with whom I enjoyed lots of laughs. 

Tom Engel

Although not a criminal lawyer, I spent many hilarious mornings with Ian in the Court House cafeteria. A gentleman, the "Pat Boone of Prosecutors" and a fair-minded guy whose love for Yolanda and the kids was ever present. So sorry to hear of his passing. A true courthouse character who will be fondly remembered.

I met Ian on my first day in Court in Alberta in Fort Saskatchewan in 1990. He made me feel welcome instantly and was  someone I continued to enjoy being associated with in the practice of law. His unique, straightforward style and sense of humour is something we all appreciated even outside of Court and at events such as the Game Dinner.

I was saddened by the news of the passing of Ian, my first friend.  We met as 5 years olds.  Ian lived around the block on Stoney Plains road.  I don’t remember how we met. But we became good friends instantly. 
I remember sharing a few firsts.  Our first day in school: Grosvenor primary, Miss Bloom's class.  Ian sat behind me and we got in trouble for talking.  Seeing TV for the first time at Kenny Lissocks sitting on the floor watching the test pattern.  

Unfortunately I moved away 4 years later and we lost touch.  I often wondered what happened to Ian.  Having lived in Australia for over 40 years I had lost touch with most of the people I knew in Canada.

I am  glad Ian had a good life but sorry it was cut short. We are all better for having him in our lives.


Our hearts ached to hear of Ian's passing.  Yolanda, Victoria, Brett, Justine and families we send you much love.  This is such a hard time.

 I was saddened to learn of the awful news of Ian’s passing. We were colleagues in the Crown shop although in different cities.
I met Ian at one of the conferences. He became a close conference friend. We had many laughs and conversations. I was always honoured when he would share the dinner table with me. When he had something important to say he would lean over and whisper. I enjoyed his astute observations and acidic wit. I had been thinking of Ian recently and had planned to give him a call but it never happened.
I know he was held in high regard in the Crown office. I will always treasure the memories of those  moments we shared. So raise your glasses in a toast to our dear friend.
Murray McPherson
Retired Ass. Chief CP Red Deer



I am very saddened by the loss of my Ross Shep classmate and law colleague. Ian and I were classmates in some courses in High School. He was a decent kind person with a great sense of humour. Although he was a crown prosecutor we still saw each other over the years at the Law Courts Cafeteria. I extend my condolences to his wife and family. I will miss him and my memory will never forget him.

In forum full of pathos and  tragedy like the criminal courts it was always a blessing to encounter a prosecutor with  a sense of proportion and a sense of humor.Ian had  both senses in spades.Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Yolanda, Justine, Brett, Victoria and families,
So saddened to hear of Ian's passing. We have such fond memories of the MacKenzies at many sports and community events in Grandview - a wonderful neighbourhood family. 
Thinking of you,
Berni, John Martin and family

Ian was a fine lawyer and a true family man. My condolences to Yolanda and the family, and to the Edmonton legal community. 

I was very sorry to read of Ian's passing in today's Journal. Thinking about Ian I was reminded that we both travelled a similar road. Both of us attended and graduated from Ross Sheppard High School. I graduated a year ahead of Ian. We both attended the U of A,  became lawyers and eventually ended up working for the Provincial Department of Justice, Ian on the Criminal side and me on the Civil side.

In our early years at University we both worked for a kindly fellow, Jack MacKenzie, who ran Mackenzie Auto Service, an Esso station on 149 and Stony Plain Road. We were both pump jockeys and from time to time worked a late shift where we would close up the place. One evening when we were both working, one of the things we needed to do was bring cars into the garage that had been brought in for repairs during the day. That evening Ian was doing that while I looked after the pumps. I recall Ian liked to do things quickly and that included driving. I remember seeing Ian out of the corner of my eye driving one of these cars "quickly"into the garage and then heard a very loud crash coming from inside, kind of like a car accident. Ian came running out the garage in full panic mode yelling that the car had no brakes. No one had told us when we arrived for work that the car had been brought in for brake repairs and that the brakes were not operating. Fortunately for Ian, there was a sturdy work bench and tool cupboard between him and the back concrete block wall of the garage otherwise he and the car would likely have created an additional exit to the garage. We both thought there would be hell to pay when Jack visited the crime scene but true to form he just  took a look and when he heard the story he grumbled a bit about the mechanics and walked back to his office and that was that. 
Rest In Peace Ian.

Ian's gentle nature and sense of humor will be missed by many, myself included. I join with so many others in extending my condolences to Yolanda and her family.

Since learning of his passing I've spent time reminiscing with friends about Ian's impact on us as junior Crowns in Edmonton, years ago.   "Uncle Ian" had an unparalleled balance of both legal acumen and a disarming, comforting sense of humour that made us all feel like everything was going to be ok.  

I still have some of the letters that I received during those days from multiple NHL players (the hand-writing looking eerily similar to Ian's) and the worn-out snow globe celebrating the Maple Leafs' latest Stanley Cup victory (in 1967) that he insisted he knew nothing about despite routinely commenting on how beautiful it was. Ian was truly one of a kind and I doubt the Brownlee Building has ever seen a more hilarious prankster. 

Ian will be sorely missed.  Ashley and I would like to extend our condolences to Yolanda and the rest of Ian's family.   

So sad to hear of Ian’s passing. He was a great lawyer who was so kind and fair. And he had such a great sense of humor. I remember once when he received his new government issued criminal code, he took it out and said ‘ I don’t know why they sent me this new criminal code; I never read the last one’.  Rest In Peace, my friend.
Vaughn

Yolanda, I am so sorry for your loss I remember like it was yesterday when you met Ian I’m so glad you had many years together. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda Lavigne 

     While I never had the privilege of working with Mack, we became good friends shortly after meeting at a Crown Conference in 1985, and soon thereafter we became constant companions and “roomies” at such meetings.
     Whilst I appreciated his legal acumen, and did occasionally look to him for advice or his “take” on various criminal files or on new developments in the law, we both appreciated that the real value of such gatherings was for purposes related to social networking and stress relief;; In these areas Mack excelled as well!! I always enjoyed our time together, just enjoying Life over a beer or four, and discussing matters whether intricate or frivolous. He also enjoyed, and often spoke of Yolanda and of his children.
     We also taught now Judge Bruce Fraser the proper technique for tossing buns at guest speakers..
     Mack was a pleasure to be around and made everyone in his presence feel comfortable and important.
     It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to Ian Mackenzie..I will forever remember your wit and your hearty laugh..I will miss You my Friend.
     Bobby C

It was my privilege to have served in the Crown Prosecutors Service with Ian from 1985 to my retirement in 2012 , and to have stayed in touch with Ian after that , from time to time . During my legal career , I worked with some outstanding people , of which I count Ian as one of the best . A naturally gifted lawyer , and a gracious gentleman , with a wonderful , gentle sense of humour . Many is the day , after court was done , Ian and I would sit in my office , ' chewing the fat ' , where I would bear witness to both Ian's legal acumen , and his gentle sense of humour , which helped many the Crown who came by my office......including me ! When you talked with Ian , things didn't seem as bad as you thought , and you knew Ian was in your corner . When I got the sad news of Ian's passing , my profound sadness was tinged with a bit of loneliness . We have all lost a friend in our corner . 
Whenever you dealt with Ian , there was no mistaking Ian's deep love for Yolanda , and his family , to whom my deep condolences are extended .
Ian will be missed , by all of us .

David J. Sullivan

      It was with heavy heart I heard of Ian’s passing.   My deepest condolences to Yolanda and family.
      I worked with Ian at the Crown Prosecutors Office for many years.   He was every bit of a colourful gentle gentleman.   Cannot say his name without smiling.
      May your fond memories help you get through this difficult time.  

Sincerely
Emily

I had the pleasure of knowing Ian for over 20 years as a Crown Prosecutor. He was a true gentleman. Kind, honest and straight forward.  He had a wonderful sharp sense of humor both in and out of the court room. He will be greatly missed. 

I share many similar memories of Ian as have been reflected in the comments by others in the legal community. However, my fondest memories are from the courthouse cafeteria when we shared our love of horses. We often spoke of his daughter’s riding career and of the animals we both love so dearly. 

We also shared a great number of laughs about his office down the hall from Mr. Sullivan when he was at “war” with Mr. Engel. What a great, funny man.... I am very saddened by this news. 

It is with deep sadness I heard of Ian’s passing. I met him in 1985 and he was immediately one of my favourite people. Yolanda, he spoke of you and the family always in the most loving and grateful way. His wit, sense of humour, intelligence  and humility were matched only by his humanity. Rory and I were blessed to have him at our wedding in 1989. Dan Abbott preformed the ceremony while many, including Ian with Maurie Ferries did their best heckling. I have so many fond memories of him. He will be missed by all, of course none more than his family. Our deepest condolences. A gentleman and a character gone but never forgotten. 

Michele Reeves and Rory Squires 

The world and the Edmonton legal community lost a giant.  Ian's compassion as a Prosecutor, knowledge of the law, wit and great common sense served him well as a distinguished and respected Prosecutor.  His humour was a welcome addition to anyone's day.  Though he often feigned disgust over my hair (including flicking it at random) or fashion choices Ian was a gentle giant among many.  We have lost a good lawyer and a good person.  My heart felt sympathy to all who have been touched by Ian's presence especially Yolanda and his family.


Today when I was in court I had an opportunity during my break to look at my messages and discovered the email indicating that Ian MacKenzie passed away. Ian you and I shared many files over the years. When I realized you were either assigned to the file or the docket Crown, I always knew that you would bring your  fair minded approach to the file. Ian you always treated me with the upmost respect.   I always felt that my client was always so fortunate to have been part of your sense of fair play. You encapsulated what it was to be a very effective Crown Prosecutor. You always had time for a good laugh and a good story  and I am privileged  to have known you over the past many years. Rest In Peace Ian!!!!


I have known Ian for over 30 years. I encountered him as an articling student and worked with him when I became a Crown. Ian, like all of us, was flawed. Maybe it was because he knew he wasn’t perfect, however, that he was the man I will forever consider a friend, because, above all else, Ian McKenzie was a kind and compassionate person. While the criminal justice system was adversarial, he was a very good example of how to conduct yourself with courtesy and could be found holding court in the cafeteria with both Crown and defence counsel, recognizing that being on opposite sides of a case should not become personal. He had this ability to talk to anyone and make you feel supported. He gave me professional advice, parenting advice and just plain old life advice. He had a wicked sense of humour and loved to laugh and make others laugh, so he could be counted on to attempt to lighten up dark moments. He could not only dish it out but was also always prepared to take it. He always talked about you, Yolanda, and your family and it was very obvious, even in hard times, that he loved you all dearly and that you  were his world. I am so very sorry that life didn’t give him more time, particularly after his retirement. Please accept my most sincere condolences. 

It is with immense sadness that I learned of Ian’s passing. I first met Ian when I was a young indigenous court worker back in 1979.  He was one of my many mentors, always willing to give me advice.  When Ian went to the Crown’s office he was still the same person, always waiting to use his sharp, wry, witty remarks to some unsuspecting junior counsel or judge.  For all the young Crown who did not have the pleasure of watching Ian cross examine a witness - he was the best.  Rest In Peace my friend. 

On my second day as a Crown Prosecutor in Edmonton, I was assigned to shadow Ian as he ran the docket in Courtroom 446, a courtroom for guilty pleas and sentencing hearings. In one day, I learned of several of Ian's talents and characteristics: his wry sense of humour, his command of the law, and his compassion for those who had become entangled in the criminal justice system through their circumstances rather than their character. 

Ian was giving of his time to junior colleagues and was interested in their lives outside of work. As others have said, his ability to crack a joke was legendary. I am glad to have worked with him and sorry to hear of his passing.

When I was an article going student in 1989 I was so fortunate to spend a day with Ian as he conducted a Queen’s Bench trial.  I still remember it.  He commanded that courtroom.  Anyone who walked in would instantly know who was the Crown Prosecutor.  When I watch courtroom crime shows like Dateline and I see a powerful, impressive criminal attorney, I often think of Ian.

I had the privilege of performing his daughter’s marriage.  It was so patently clear how much he loved and cared for his family and how important they were to him.  I loved hearing him talk about Brett’s adventures and the horse dramas!

Sheila and I send our most sincere and deepest thoughts of support and affection to Yolanda and the rest of the family.

While saddened by the news of Ian’s passing, it is impossible for me to think of him without smiling. A dear colleague, and worthy opponent,  we often happily talked horses first then eventually got around to clients. His love of and pride in his family often popped up in conversation, as did his ever present dry sense of humour.  He and I had a running joke about The Mackenzie Room, a broom closet he had named after himself. An unpretentious gentleman, he didn’t much care  for the idea of naming rooms or things after people! 
To all his family and many friends who are mourning his passing, my sincere condolences. 

A true gentleman, a privilege to know him. He called me Mickey

It is with profound sadness that we note the passing of Ian MacKenzie. I have known him for close to 50 years professionally and he was always a fair and very bright, both as a Crown and Defence lawyer. His passing is a reminder to us all that life will end at some point. 

	Ian, Mary and I send our deepest sympathies to your family and you will forever be in our hearts. 

p.s. I could never forget his eyes closed response to submissions by the defence. 


I had the pleasure of working alongside Uncle Ian for fifteen years.  He was a beloved fixture of the Crown Prosecutors’ office.  I’m very saddened to hear that he has passed.  Thank you for being a fine colleague and for your many years of service to the public.

I was in docket court today when I heard that Ian had passed.  It felt for a moment like someone had turned off the lights. Docket court was for many years the stage on which Ian worked, and from which his wry, funny, humane presence  touched us all.  I can't think of a day as a judge or defence counsel that I wasn't glad to see him at the Crown desk.  He will be missed. Condolences to his family and to his colleagues.

I am so sorry to hear of Ian's passing.  "Uncle Ian" as you will undoubtedly hear many of us refer to him, touched so many of our lives.  He supported so many members of the Edmonton Crowns Office though the years, offering advice, and always a quick line and a laugh.  He was a special man, is missed.  My condolences.  

Ian was a competent  straight up Prosecutor.  We battled on many occasions but win or lose,  he was always a gentleman.   I am sincerely saddened by his passing.   

Joseph Doz

I had the pleasure of knowing Ian only in his professional life but I am sure that the many fine qualities of his character that were reflected in his interaction with many of us in the Defense Bar were simply the extension of who he was in his personal life. I shall always remember Ian as a gentleman. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends for their loss.  

I just learned today of the passing of Ian.  I remember when he moved from the defence bar to the Edmonton Crown Prosecutors’ Office in the late 1980 ‘s. He was a senior defence counsel and his knowledge and experience were most welcome.  Ian left no opportunity for a witty wisecrack unused.  In fact, as all who knew Ian can attest, Ian kept a straight face most of the time and a wry remark at the ready pretty much all the time.  He was the quintessential sharp-dressed man.  He always carried himself like a serious lawyer - even though what Ian would say might well be a little less serious.  If you wanted to see Ian smile and become talkative, all you had to do was to ask him about Yolanda and the kids. He was incredibly in love with his family and very proud of them, too.  My sincerest condolences to Ian’s family.  We will really miss him.
Patricia Innes, QC

As a  true measure of a man who was eminently fair, Ian could count as many friends amongst the defence bar, as within the Crown's Office. 
And, as has already been mentioned, he could be serious, without taking himself seriously, endearing himself to all. 
Sincere condolences to Ian's family. Thank you for sharing  "Big Mac" with us.

My sincere condulences  to family, i had complete admiration to work with Mr. Mackenzie, thats what i would call him, he would always come in file room and say Anna get to work, I still say, Mr. Mackenzie was the best, his love for horses, he showed  me pictures, we shared stories with chief wakowich,, and other judges which they used come into our family restaurant for coffee.
Rest in peace
Anna

Some of my best memories of my time at the Crown's office involved Ian. He had such a great sense of humour, I always enjoyed having him stop by my office to chat. My condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed.

As a young Defence lawyer Ian always treated me with respect, kindness and a "robust" sense of humour.   Over the years  it was always a pleasure to have him on the other side of the court room.    When he finally retired I missed the opportunity to raise a glass in his honour - but tonight  I won't make that mistake twice.

My sincere condolences to his family.  He will be missed by many.

My sincere condolences to Yolanda and all of Ian's family. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I had the pleasure of working with Ian when I began my career and will always remember Ian for his wisdom, wit and commitment to mentoring younger members of the office.  He took his job seriously but never took himself too seriously and that is large part of the reason why those who had the privilege of working with him held him in such esteem. As mentioned in other memories, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Ian" by many and has left an indelible mark on the Edmonton office and all who knew him.  

Ian was the first Crown Prosecutor that I worked with as a volunteer with Student Legal Services.
He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, showing me that a courtroom doesn't have to be a battlefield if everyone comes in with a level head and a desire to see that justice is done.
I learned a lot in my brief interactions with him.  I'm thankful for that.

Dear Yolanda and family, I heard this morning that Ian passed. I remember Ian so well. Ian could be in your face crude but some how always delightful. We shared a client, if I can say that who for years after I prosecuted him for property offences for which he received jail  would come and see me/ Ian with his problems which were numerous. He usually found me before he could find Ian! Paul and I send you our heartfelt condolences  wish you strength through the tough days ahead, 

Sincere condolences to the family. Ian will be greatly missed by many members of the legal community. When I was a young defence lawyer, Ian always took the time to chat with me about court procedures, etiquette, and his interesting stories. I have missed him since his retirement, and mourn his passing. 

As I have since his retirement, I shall miss Ian's wit and his wisdom.  My condolences to Yolanda and his family.

Laurie Trahan
Edmonton Crown Prosecution Service

I worked with Ian at the Crown's office.  We called him "Uncle Ian." He had an unmatched wit, and could get away with saying things in court that the rest of us could only say in our heads.  Although he took his job seriously, he was always joking around.  Any time anyone needed a laugh, we could always count on Uncle Ian to provide.  We missed him when he retired.  His loss will be deeply felt.  

I first met Ian when I joined the Crowns Office in 2002. I had the pleasure of assisting him in the Resolution unit all those years ago! Ian had a great sense of humour and his witty remarks often had the people around him laughing. I was very sad to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.  Sincerely, Marla 

So very sad to hear this news.  He truly was a ‘character’ - shared many a moment & many laughs as he ‘held court’ in the courthouse cafeteria. Truly a good man .. my condolences to the family  💐 🙏🏽 

I am so sorry to have received this news.  My sincere condolences to Yolanda, of whom he always spoke of with such affection, and to the entire family.

Ian was a contemporary of mine and our careers tracked together for decades.  One simply never forgot having done a trial with Ian.     He maintained a sense of humor throughout his career which many of us remember with such fondness.  Even in this moment of sadness it is impossible to completely suppress a smile at some of the memories.   He also maintained a sense of respect for the traditions of his position that gave honour to him as a person.

I pray Ian is at peace.  May God wrap his arms around your family.

My sincerest condolences to Yolanda, family and friends on the loss of Ian.  I had the pleasure of working with Ian for many years in Edmonton.  He was one of my favourite people in the office.  I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.  Sending hugs and prayers to his loved ones.

Yolanda and family.  I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my many moments with Ian as a colleague and friend.  He always spoke so proudly of his family and shared many stories of horse-back riding adventures.  In a profession with too few good 'characters', Ian was certainly one of them.  His memory will live on in many of our hearts and minds.

OBITUARIO

Malcolm Ian MacKenzie

13 abril, 1946 – 16 enero, 2021

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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