Raymond Joseph MacKenzie

MACKENZIE, Raymond Joseph - Died peacefully with family by his side after a long struggle with complex medical challenges at the Peterborough Regional Hospital on Monday, October 12, 2015. Raymond was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia on January 17, 1959, number six of the ten MacKenzies. He was predeceased by his parents, Cecilia and Peter MacKenzie, his beloved sister Elizabeth and cherished sister-in-law Donelda (Stamp) MacKenzie. He is survived by brothers Thomas, John (Jan), Michael and Paul (Kate) and sisters Margaret, Ann, Mary and Carol. Raymond's nieces, nephews and "greats"- Michael John (Keesha), Stephane, Danielle, Peter, Lily, James, Sam, Michaela and Benjamin were the undisputed focus of his pride and affection. The walls of his room at Fairhaven became a gallery of their faces which brightened his world. Raymond was a devoted uncle- the kind who got down on the rug to play, put together that complex model, organize the road hockey game and indoctrinate their young minds to support the Leafs. He signed his many gifts and cards to his nieces and nephews with his signature "YFUR"- "your favourite Uncle Raymond". His compassion and concern for young people came through in his work in the Toronto youth shelter system where he worked prior to his illness. The most troubled youth were treated to his famous cooking skills and his love of celebrations- Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving. He made these occasions shine for those who had so little. His last disappointment was not making it to Thanksgiving dinner with his family the night before he died. Raymond's family are truly grateful to the staff of the Peterborough Regional hospital who cared for Raymond with great tenderness in his last days and for those at Fairhaven long term care facility in Peterborough for the exemplary care Raymond received for the years he called Fairhaven home. They are the unsung heroes who care for those who are often the most invisible in our society. Friends will be received at COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street from 11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Thursday October 22, 2015. The service will be held in the chapel at 12:00 noon with reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Fairhaven Foundation, 881 Dutton Ave. Peterborough ON, K9H 7S4. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com