Russell Earle MacKenzie

MacKenzie, Russell Earle, age 84, Halifax, passed away peacefully at The Admiral Long Term Care Centre in Dartmouth N.S. December 7, 2025. Born in Sandy Point, N.S. on February 26th, 1941, he was the youngest son of the late Gordon and Viola (Pierce) MacKenzie.

He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of 61 years, Eleanor (Baker), and loving son Gregory (Elizabeth) and many nieces and nephews, as well as brothers and sisters-in-laws.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Lawrence, Chester and sister, Betty. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was predeceased by sister-in-law, Ethel Baker and brothers-in-law, Michael Baker, Ted Martin and Gordon Mason.

Russell worked in private industry from the age of 16 and retired in 1997 from Oland’s Brewery after 26 years.

In addition to being a devoted husband and dad, Russell was a very dedicated reader of the Halifax Chronicle Herald and followed world events and sports closely. His favourite sports were baseball and golf. He loved watching his Toronto Blue Jays and absolutely enjoyed playing golf until health issues prevented him from doing so. Some of his fondest memories were of trips around the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and summer vacations at Old Orchard Beach, Maine in addition to several trips to St. Pete’s Beach, Florida. Russell was very passionate about the cars that he owned and maintained them in immaculate condition. A few of his other hobbies included keeping up-to-date scrapbooks and collecting numerous pins and baseball player cards.

Special thanks to The Admiral for their care since May 2023 and to sister-in-law Cindy Martin for her unwavering support during Russell’s illness.

In keeping with Russell’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life with reception to follow will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on December 16, 2025 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.

Russell was a special man who will be greatly missed. His parting wish is captured in this adapted Fisherman’s Prayer.

God grant that I may live to golf. Until my dying day, And when it comes to my last game. I then most humbly pray. When in the Lord’s safe landing green. I’m peacefully asleep, that in his mercy. I may be judged as good enough to keep.