In Loving Memory of Dr. Kevin J. MacKenzie
1975 – 2021
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Kevin J. MacKenzie passed away on August 25, 2021, at the age of 45, while living in Sammamish, Washington. Kevin was the adored husband of Carrie, devoted father to Caelan and Cameron, proud son of James and Ann, loyal brother to Sharon, and a mischievous uncle to McKenna, Morgan, Jason, and Emily. Kevin was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Ann.
As the beloved husband of Carrie Chalmers, he vowed to make her laugh every day, and did just that. Throughout their 22 years together, their home was always filled with fun, laughter, and a bit of adventure. Kevin was happiest when spending time with his children, Caelan and Cameron, whether it be out on a bike ride, hiking trail, at home building Lego, or playing Dungeons and Dragons. He cherished these moments. As an exceptional bass player, Kevin was incredibly proud to have passed down his musical talents to his children. He ensured the house was always filled with music, and often broke out in silly joyful dance.
After receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology from the Centre for Vision Research at York University, Toronto, Ontario, and working as a postdoctoral fellow at Bangor University, Wales, Kevin’s career continued in the technology industry. Microsoft brought Kevin and his family to the Northwest, where he conducted research on visual perception and human factors for wearable AR displays. He was currently working at Facebook Reality Labs as the Lead Research Scientist of the Applied Perception Sciences team, focusing on vision research involving Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.
Kevin felt very fortunate to have lived in many beautiful places throughout his life, making close friendships and wonderful memories in Guelph, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; Menai Bridge, Anglesey; and Sammamish, Washington. Kevin was always willing to lend a hand, ear, or time to friends, colleagues, and neighbours, reminding all of us of the importance of kindness and compassion. As a close friend and colleague described Kevin recently, “those of you who knew him will know he was generous with his friendship, his time and his laughter.”
Kevin, you will be greatly missed.
Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a virtual memorial event and a celebration of life in honour of Kevin’s life at a later date. Please connect with Kevin’s wife, Carrie, for further information.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made in support of angiosarcoma research at UW Medicine in Seattle, Washington, or to Hospice Wellington in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, an organization very close to the MacKenzie family’s heart. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Kevin MacKenzie.
For UW Medicine research, you may make a gift online: https://give.uwmedicine.org/give/?page=make&source=SARCOM. Or checks should be made payable to the “UW Foundation” and mailed to: UW Foundation, Box 359505, Seattle, WA 98195‐8045.
For Hospice Wellington, please visit: https://www.hospicewellington.org/donate.