Neil "Terry" Terrance MacKenzie

It is with heavy hearts the family of Neil Terrance (Terry) MacKenzie announce his passing. He will forever be missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Louise (Hubley), his son Terry (Sally), daughters Debbie (Kevin), Lynnanne (John).

His seven grandchildren Benjamin, Matthew, Chelsea, Courtney, Hayden, John and Sarah will greatly miss his Saturday morning pancakes. Even though most now have children of their own, they still talk about these mornings. Also left to miss him are his 12 great grandchildren.

As Dad leaves his earthly home he leaves behind his brothers Wayne, David, Don and Mike and his sisters Vicki, Helen and Kathy. He will be reuniting with his parents Neil and Florence (DeBaie), his infant brother and one infant great granddaughter in his new Heavenly home.

Dad had a life filled with family, friends who felt like family and friends from every corner of his journey. They are too numerous to name, but you know who you are.

Our father accomplished many things in his lifetime from raising his family, working at night and earning his Master’s degree in Social work from Dalhousie University. This was made easier with the support and love from Mom every step along the way. They truly were two halves of a whole.

When Dad started his first shift at the Rockhead Prison he probably didn’t realize that he had found his career. He was a young man with a young family and he knew what was being asked of him. He would work the late shift, come home and sleep, then go to school in the afternoons. He taught us, to achieve our goals for the long term, we may need to sacrifice in the short term.

After Dad graduated from Dalhousie and Rockhead was shut down, he moved to the Correctional Center in Sackville. He would become the Superintendent that was known by his first name with the inmates. Dad showed compassion for them and in return, they respected him.

Dad ended his career after 31 years in Correctional Services as the Director of Adult Institutions for Nova Scotia. He worked hard for that designation and along the way, he always held out his hands and helped others to follow him and maybe do better.

Growing up our house was always full. Our family of 5 was always increased by 1 or more brother or sister of our parents. There was more than enough room at our table to share a meal, a laugh or sometimes a lesson. Dad shared what he had with anyone in need. All he asked was that you do the same when you could.

Having retired at an early age (51) he took over the household and learned just how much he loved to cook. He loved being the head chef and barbecue king. His chocolate pancakes were divine, or so the grandchildren tell us.

We will miss the laughter he shared, the gleam in his eyes and the acted out punchlines in every joke he told. We will miss his warm embrace, and his sage advice. The way he stood up for what is right and taught us how as well.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Melville Lodge who were actively involved with Dads personal care. His circle of caregivers was immense and there are too many of you to list by name, we love you all and thank you from the bottoms of our hearts, The thoughtful gestures and loving care, to learning just who our Father was and why he meant the world to us. We thank you, forever and a day, for all the thoughtful care you provided. Thank you for extending that same warmth to our Mother and ourselves especially as we neared the end of Dad’s journey.

As we continue with our own journeys on this Earth, we will carry him forward with us. Forever in our hearts, our thoughts and every breath we take. Yes, we will miss him in body but never in thought. Forever and a day will never be enough time ….. XO

A celebration of Life for Dad will be held at J A Snow Funeral Home at 339 Lacewood Drive Halifax on Saturday October 11th from 2 to 4

If you wish to honour Terry, please consider making a donation to Melville Lodge or the Alzheimer’s Society or to the charity of your choice in his memory.