It is with broken hearts that we the children of Michael MacKenzie (Michael John Joe) announce his passing at the Northside General Hospital after a period of failing health. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late John Joe and Mary Elizabeth (MacNeil) MacKenzie. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, best friend and love of his life, Sadie MacNeil (May 2018). Mom and Dad are together again. There is no more pain, no more health issues and they are dancing the nights away under heaven’s stars as they did so many times in their younger days. Dad once said the best thing he ever did was have a family. He filled our home with laughter and love. He will forever be loved and missed by daughters Sarahlee (late Phillip) Perth-Andover, NB, Kimberley (Glenn) Queensville, Bonnie, Halifax and son Kenneth at home. Dad was a very proud Papa to Bryden and Kayden Swazey, Perth-Andover, NB and Olivia, Emmett and Sophia MacIver, Queensville. He is also survived by brother Fr. Archie Edmonton, sisters Carmel, St. Catherine’s Ont. And Kaye May, Boston, sister in law, Josie Bonaparte, and brothers in law Jimmy, Iona and John Hector, South Haven, numerous nieces and nephews and godchildren, Raymond MacNeil and Jen MacNeil. Dad was also predeceased by brothers Basil, Raymond and Verne, sisters Norma and Theresa, sister in law Kay and Sissy and brother in law George. Nieces Rosalie and Mary Clare and nephews, Barry and Norman. Dad had a very strong sense of faith and community and helping others. He was a founding member of the Christmas Island Fire Dept. Throughout his time he served as Captain, Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. He was very proud of the training and time he put in and was always one of the first on any scene when the fire call came. Dad was best known to everyone as being the local mail driver for forty years. He proudly delivered letters, parcels and catalogues to almost every home in all kinds of weather. He would often tell Sadie the roads “just had a dusting of snow’ when in fact they were terrible to lessen her worry. We were very blessed to have the Mom and Dad that we did. They are together now watching over us. Mom is baking her biscuits and Dad is making his amazing roast dinner and gravy. Visitation for Michael MacKenzie will take place on Friday November 8, 2019 from 2-8pm as well as 10-12pm on Sat at St Columba Church Hall, Iona. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Sat Nov 9 at 1pm at St. Columba Church with Fr. Vargheese IMS officiating. Burial will be in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island. To leave online condolences, please visit www.twcurry.com “No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts they are always there.”
