It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carl MacKenzie of Sydney Forks, on Saturday, Dec. 1st, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. Formerly of Washabuck, he was the son of the late John Stephen and Mary Anne MacKenzie.
Carl was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay for over 42 years, as well as a member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association. He was a self-taught fiddle player, who traveled the world playing traditional Scottish Music.
Carl was married to the love of his life, Kaye, for 54 years. They raised their 5 children in Sydney Forks, in a home he built. Nothing made him happier than a house full of family and friends for a lively kitchen party where the drinks flowed and the music played into the night.
He was a fixture on the Celtic Music scene in Cape Breton, a regular performer at dances, concerts, and workshops across the island and brought his traditional fiddling style to stages across Canada, Ireland, Scotland and the U.S. Carl retired from the University College of Cape Breton as a Professional Engineer, where he taught Civil Technology.
Carl is survived by his wife Kaye MacKenzie (MacDonald), his daughters, Coralie (George) McPhail, Tricia MacKenzie (Pete), his sons, Sheldon MacKenzie, Shannon (Denise) MacKenzie, and Lyndon MacKenzie (Tara), his grandchildren, Chris, Brooke, Cameron, Carleigh, Kendall, Sloan, Elle, Carter and Mady. Carl also leaves behind sisters Joan Gillis, Jean MacNeil, Rose MacDonald, Charlotte MacLean and his brother Hector MacKenzie, as well as many nieces and nephews. Carl is predeceased by his parents and several siblings.
We would like to thank everyone who helped with caring for Carl at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel in Sydney on Tuesday December 4th, 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s Parish in East Bay, on Wednesday December 5th at 2 p.m., with Father Abbass presiding. Burial to follow service.
Online condolences may be left by visiting www.twcurry.com
