Kenneth John McKenzie

passed away on February 25, 2023, after a year-long battle with

cancer.

Ken was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Kenneth and Katherine

(Gemby) McKenzie on June 25, 1938. He grew up in Winnipeg,

as an only child, and was touched by tragedy when his father

passed away suddenly at the age of 44. Ken was only 14 years

of age at the time. The following year, Ken began a career with

Canadian National Railways as a ‘call boy,’ riding his bicycle around Winnipeg to

notify railway employees at home that they had been called into work. Ken’s long

career as a CNR, and subsequently, VIA railroader spanned some 40 years, and at

the time of his retirement he held the position of #1 on the conductor seniority list.

In addition to his passion for the railways, Ken was an active and enthusiastic

member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine brotherhood. He belonged to 14 lodges

spanning across Canada. In conjunction with members of the Kamloops Shrine, he

was one of the founders of the Kamloops Keystone Kops. Ken’s involvement in the

Kops saw him regularly attending various parades throughout British Columbia and

into Washington state.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Gail, of 61 years; children Kenneth (Sonia)

McKenzie Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kathy McKenzie of Kamloops, British

Columbia; grandchildren Monika (Christian) Garland and Haley (Scott) Weniger of

Lynchburg, Virginia as well as cherished, dear friends.

We cannot say ‘Thank You’ enough for the care Ken received at the Cancer Centre

for the Southern Interior, Royal Inland Hospital and the Marjorie Willoughby

Snowden Memorial Hospice Home. The overworked staff of these three critical

institutions cared for Ken with compassion and dignity. We are equally thankful for

the attention and care provided by our family physician, Dr. Jonathan Wiltshire.

Thank you sir!

Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life,

which will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the

Masonic Lodge, 351 Nicola Street, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Memorial donations can be made to the Shrine Children’s

Hospital or the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice

Home.