Mr. Donald Stewart McKenzie passed away peacefully on November 28, 2018 at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, Ontario. Don was born on August 1, 1931 in Owen Sound, Ontario to Marjorie McKenzie (Bird) and Bruce McKenzie. He dedicated himself professionally to educating children. First an elementary school teacher, then a principal for 29 years, and in retirement a Trustee on the Wellington County Board of Education, Don deeply valued all children and delighted in their learning. As a principal, he maintained a teaching assignment, most often in remedial studies, so that he could remain directly involved in supporting children with their learning. By example, Don taught his family to work hard, remain playful, and savour what is good in the small moments of ordinary life. Our lives are richer having been touched by the light that shone through this kind and gentle man, the limitless love he shared through a smile, a hug, an offer to lend a hand. Don will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol; children, Rob (Lydia) McKenzie and Sue (Doug) McKenzie-Mohr; adored and adoring grandchildren, Jordan, Kristen, Taryn and Jaime; sister-in-law, Helen Coleman; as well as several nephews and nieces. Don was pre-deceased by his parents, and his brother, Ken McKenzie. Don’s family is grateful for the kind attentiveness of those who cared for him as his illness progressed, including Dr. Hamid Gilani and the community care team who made it possible for Don to remain, until very recently, in his home. Special thanks to Dr. Cary Shafir and the staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington, for their warmth and attention to every detail in Don’s final weeks of life. For those who wish, donations in Don’s memory to Hospice Wellington or the Guelph Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. A private funeral service in celebration of Don’s life was held on December 2, 2018 at Wall-Custance Funeral Home in Guelph.
A tree will be planted in memory of Donald S. McKenzie in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 2:30 pm