Obituary of Bob McKenzie

July 14, 1932 - Scott, Saskatchewan

October 13, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Robert “Bob” McKenzie of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the age of 91 years.

Bob was born in Scott, Saskatchewan on July 14, 1932. He grew up on the farm, attending school up until Grade 8, only for a few days, until his brother fell sick, and he then took his place helping around the farm. Bob helped around the farm until the age of 17, then he went to Manitoba to work for his brother-in-law Charlie. After returning to the farm, he met Dorene and they married in 1957. Bob and Dorene moved a few times before settling down in Calgary, AB, he then started his sheet metal career in Fort McMurray, while his family stayed in Calgary. One day Bob came home and told the family they were moving into a new house in the District Fairview, the family spent six years in that home, until Bob received a great job with Arpi’s Industries, which led to them buying their home in Cedabrae. Bob attended SAIT and became a journeyman.

In 1982 Bob and Dorene moved to Weyburn, SK to go into business with his brother-in-law Roy, and four years later they moved back to Calgary as they missed good friends and family. Bob worked again for Arpis until he had a bad fall in Canmore while installing rooftop heating for the Olympic Housing. After spending a year in rehabilitation in Edmonton, he stayed with Dorene’s sisters Margaret, soon his back improved and he started building wood projects, building wishing wells, birdhouses, tables, etc.

When Bob’s sister Francis’ husband became unable to help on the farm, Bob would go to Saskatchewan during the spring and fall to help his nephew, Bryan. This was probably one of his favourite jobs ever and he spent years doing this.

In the late 1990s Dorene fell ill and ended up in a nursing home with dementia, passing away on May 12, 2003, on their 46^th wedding anniversary.

Bob spent a lot of years living alone after her passing, having a few long-term guests along the way. Bob was extremely lucky to have great friends who checked in on him, especially his friend and neighbor Chuck Coady who was right next door for 39 years, as time went on Bob grew more and more dependent on him. Chuck made sure that Bob never missed a wedding, funeral, or a chance to cast his vote, also becoming dinner partners and Chuck was the chauffeur. Bob would have been lost without him; he was just part of the family. Bob’s family wishes to give a debt of gratitude to Chuck for always being there for Bob and being part of the family.

All of Bob’s friends gave him a great purpose in life.

Bob is survived by his daughter Maureen, son-in-law Stewart, and his grandson Blake (Brittany). He is also survived by his sisters, Francis Swan of Kindersley, SK and Violet Hengen of Sundre, AB; brother Norman McKenzie of Claresholm, AB, numerous nephews and nieces and families, Bryan Swan, Bob Swan, Don Gerine, Doug Gerine, Lee Hengen, Lauriane Volman, Less Hengen, Luella Hengen,  Brenda White, Kerry Russell, Michael McKenzie, Jackie McKenzie, Janice, Dawn, Heather, Jean, and Bonnie McKenzie; as well as so many cousins on Dorene’s side of the family, including, Billy Ray, Lindy, Dennis Mytts, Robert Mytts, Bev, Brenda, and Allen Harrison, Dave, Debbie, Sandy, and Cindy Klam, as well as Don, Jim, Ted, and Karen Hillstead and families.  

Bob will be sadly missed by all.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bob’s here.

In living memory of Bob McKenzie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.