Obituary of Mackenzie (Mac) Daniel Walsh

July 3, 1989 – Calgary, Alberta

November 28, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle, Mackenzie Walsh, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the age of 34 years, after his battle with brain cancer.

Mac was born in Calgary, growing up in Lake Sundance, where he made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed playing video games and was always building and tinkering with his computers. Mac graduated from SAIT, turning his passion for technology into his career in IT support.

He was one of those fortunate individuals who had many passions in life and was dedicated in the pursuit of them. He caught the travel bug from his older sister Whitney, and for awhile it seemed he was always away somewhere or preparing for his next adventure. His travels took him to Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand, and throughout the UK and Europe. We still marvel how someone could travel for months at a time with a small backpack filled with white tee shirts and a pair of jeans. Easy going, fun loving, and gregarious, Mac made friends everywhere he went.

But it was Mac’s passion for the outdoors, especially his beloved mountains, which had the most profound influence on his life. As an avid snowboarder and rock climber he became determined to make a life for himself in Banff. He lived most of his last few years in Banff and was proud of his status as a “local”. With Banff as his base, and with his cohort of climbing, hiking, and boarding buddies, especially Carson, Kendra, Matt and Maki, Mac enjoyed himself thoroughly. Although his cancer, and its ongoing treatment, did slow him down, he always stayed positive and never complained.

Mac was a fan of Formula 1 racing and joked that he drove on the circuit of the Melbourne Grand Prix - albeit only on a bicycle. In June 2022, Mac and his family visited relatives in Montreal, where he was able to take in the excitement of the Montreal Grand Prix firsthand.

In January of this year our family had its last big vacation together. We visited Maui and Mac’s favourite island in Hawai’i. It was a magical time, with Bridget and Eloise loving the time frolicking at the pools and on the beach with their Uncle Mac.

Mac will be forever missed by his loving parents, Ed and Colleen, sister Whitney and brother-in-law Ryan; and his beloved young nieces Bridget and Eloise. Also mourning Mac are his extended family in Calgary and Montreal, and his many dear friends.

Memorial Services will be held at McInnes & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary) on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, directing the donation to Brain and CNS cancer research at www.cancer.ca

In living memory of Mackenzie Walsh, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.