(1922-2016) - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing, on the morning of his 94th birthday, of Innes Keith MacKenzie, Scottish-born pater familias, former Physics Professor and intellectual adventurer. Married for sixty-seven years to the vivacious Inez Mary Mowers, who died in 2013 and has been very much missed since, Innes is survived by four children and their partners (Catherine, Diane, Betsy, Frances and Gord, and William and Tanya), six treasured grandchildren – Drew (Joele), Michael (Isabelle), Heather (Dave), Cassie, Ronan and Tristan, all happy bearers of the MacKenzie name- and two much adored great-grandchildren, Ellah and Jazmyne. He was predeceased by his wonderful son, Roderick John MacKenzie, and his parents (Isabella Macleod and Angus Mackenzie), as well as his siblings, Myra, Donald, Mary, Roderick, and Isabel.
A young volunteer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, he served in RAF radar units in North Africa and the UK during World War II. After graduate studies in Physics, he worked for the Defense Research Board of Canada from 1954-1960, with two secondments to English nuclear research facilities. Turning to university teaching, he spent six highly active years at Dalhousie University, and then moved to his “favourite place in the world,” the Physics Department at the University of Guelph where he was a Professor from 1966-1987 and an Emeritus Professor for some time afterwards. Often reflecting upon his university career in recent years with close friends like Iain Campbell, Tom and Jenny Jackman, Tom Kehn and Ernie McFarland, he took enormous delight in the achievements of his colleagues, some of whom he had recruited, and of former students he had mentored. He was also proud of his own contributions to opening up the field of positron annihilation, accomplished through many publications and symposia presentations.
Special thanks to Peter Stark, who brought lively conversation and road-trips to Innes’ life over the last two years, and to the staff of the extended care unit at Riverside Glen in Guelph. And with much, much love, his entire family wishes to publicly thank his youngest daughter, Fran, who was the most generous, unstinting guide and special angel for the final phases of the lives of both Inez and Innes MacKenzie. As per his wishes, there will not be a service: cremation has taken place. If you wish, donations can be made in Innes’ name to the undergraduate MacKenzie Scholarship (I0398), Physics Department, University of Guelph, c/o Alumni Affairs and Development, 50 Stone Road East, N1G 2W1 as a way of continuing his commitment to students. Arrangements entrusted to the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (519-824-0031.) We invite you to leave your condolences and donations online at www.gilchristchapel.com.