Obituary of Duncan Kenneth MacKenzie

October 7, 1932 – Regina, Saskatchewan

October 28, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Duncan MacKenzie of Calgary, AB, and formerly of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the age of 90 years.

Duncan was born in Regina, SK, and moved to Esterhazy, SK, as a young boy. He attended Esterhazy Public School until grade nine and then completed high school at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver, BC.  He was an avid hockey player in his youth and continued playing into his early adult years. He also loved curling and continued to play off and on until he was 80.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Duncan graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a law degree in 1957, and after articling in Regina, he joined his father’s law practice in Esterhazy, forming MacKenzie & MacKenzie Law Office.

Duncan met Annette Yungmann, the love of his life, at a church social in Regina and they were married on December 28, 1963. Duncan and Annette settled in Esterhazy, building a new house on Carlton Drive.  They lived there for over 40 years, raising five children together. Duncan was a passionate gardener and filled their large yard with trees, rock gardens, vegetables and even grape vines.

Duncan retired from practicing law in his 70s and sold his firm in Esterhazy. In 2006, he and Annette moved to Calgary, AB, to be closer to their children and grandchildren, and to help with after-school childcare. Duncan always loved to drive and was happy to become a chauffeur, picking up and dropping off grandchildren before and after school.  He continued with his love of gardening, filling their small city yard with trees and flowers and growing tomatoes in containers every summer.

Throughout his life, Duncan was very active in his Roman Catholic faith and served in various capacities, both in Esterhazy and Calgary, including decades of charitable service through the Knights of Columbus. He also participated in many community groups such as the Kinsmen Club and the Esterhazy Drama Club.

Duncan was happiest when surrounded by his family and made time every year for an epic family vacation, usually by station wagon but also by train, which was his favourite mode of transport. After their children were grown, he and Annette continued to take train journeys across Canada and the U.S., and he was excited about a planned journey by train through the West Highlands of Scotland, which was scheduled for May 2023.

Duncan is survived by his sons, Kenneth MacKenzie (Teresa) of Oyster River, BC, Compton MacKenzie (Tammy) and Malcolm MacKenzie of Calgary; daughters, Barbara Feit (Jason) of Calgary and Iona MacKenzie of Elkford, BC; and grandchildren, Kate, David, Logan, Zachary, Kristen and Callum.

Duncan is also survived by his sister, Avril Ludwick of Calgary; as well as sisters-in-law, Hilde Beckie (Vince) of Deep Cove, BC, Ottile Haunsperger of Saskatoon, SK, and Beth Maurer of Winnipeg, MB; and brother-in-law, Werner Yungmann (Lorna) of Humboldt, SK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Duncan lost his soulmate, Annette, in September 2021. He was also predeceased by his son, Robert; his parents, Catherine and Donald MacKenzie; and his brothers-in-law, Nestor Ludwick, Henry Yungmann, Wilhelm Haunsperger and Don Maurer.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Community (800-85^th Steet SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.    

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Brenda Strafford Foundation, which twice weekly provided Duncan with amazing seniors’ social and physical activities during his last few years.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. | Home (thebsf.ca) 

In living memory of Duncan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Thank you.