Don MacKenzie

Don "Chickie, Doc" MacKenzie, Pictou Landing, died suddenly in his sleep at home on Jan 26,  2020. Don was born on July 4, 1950 in New Glasgow, to William and Janet (MacIntosh) MacKenzie, the 12 th of 13 children.  After leaving school and working in several jobs he began a career in broadcasting, working in radio stations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario.

At aged 22 Don decided a military career was what he wanted and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. After completing Basic Training, he was sent to Camp Borden for Trade training. While at Borden he met his future wife, Marion. They were married on April 20^th 1974 in Norwich, England. They started married life based at CFB Namao in Alberta, they then made a move to Goose Bay, Labrador, where their son Matthew was born (1976). While in Goose Bay Don began his lifelong hobby as an Amateur Radio Operator, obtaining his licence in both Morse Code and Voice. He was never happier than when he was sitting in his "Ham Shack" talking to people around the world. As a true "Ham" he was often to be found adjusting his antennae often in the worst weather conditions and when questioned would reply, "That’s what Hams do"! Marion was often called to assist by holding the end of several metres of cable while he made adjustments.

After two years on "the Goose" another posting this time to Summerside, PEI. where sons Daniel (1978) and Adam (1980) were born. With their young family in tow Don and Marion moved to Lahr, Germany. While there Don reprised his broadcasting career, volunteering as an announcer on the Canadian Forces Radio network.  He also learned to play the pipes and joined the CFB Lahr Pipes and Drums. They performed in Germany and several other European countries. After four happy years the family were on the move again, this time heading to CFB Uplands, Ottawa, where Don was posted to 412 VIP Squadron. After further training he was awarded his "wings" as a Loadmaster, he flew over 3000 hours with 412. Some of his passengers included, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Princess of Wales and the Princes William and Harry, more than one Prime Minister, Governors General, ambassadors from many countries as well as numerous "Top Brass".

He was known as the go to guy when a service family member was trying to get a seat on the weekly flight from Ottawa to Newfoundland. He was famous for his scrounging ability to get almost anything, requested, calling in owed favours to obtain it. Don left 412 after 8 years, one of the longest serving loadies in the Squadron.

Next came CFB Trenton, Ont where he joined 2 Air Movements Unit where he with his coworkers would build and load cargo for shipping across Canada and around the world. While with 2 AMU he was sent on several relief missions including trips to Kenya, Russia and Italy for Bosnia.

After 23 years of service the ‘Brass’ decided it was time for a UN Peacekeeping Mission. Don spent 6 months wearing the Blue Beret in the Golan Heights, Israel/Syria. After returning to Trenton, he worked Base Ops. Not having had enough of the heat he volunteered for a second tour with the UN, returning to the Golan.

In 2002 Don retired after 30 years of service to his country, and he and Marion took their retirement posting to move back home to Pictou County. Don joined the Reserves serving with144 Construction Engineering Flight, staying with them for two years.

In retirement Don enjoyed his radio, fishing and walking Spencer, his furry four-legged nephew. He would head to Tim Hortons to shoot the breeze with the regulars, and he was never to be found without at least one open book.   

Despite being required to be away frequently, he treasured the time he had with his boys while they were growing up. The annual car ride from Ontario to New Glasgow provided the family with many "remember when" moments. 

Don looked forward to his summer visits with grandson Wyatt and was over the moon to meet his granddaughter Autumn.

He is survived by wife of 45 years, Marion (Cooper) and sons: Matthew (Amy), Daniel (Samantha) and Adam; and treasured grandchildren: Wyatt and Autumn; brothers: Bill, Gary and Phillip; sisters: Joan Bartlett, Marie Doucette, Judy Kennaely (Jim), Carol Woods and Orpha Woods., and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers: Wayne and Weldon; and sisters: Shirley, Joyce and Lorraine and granddaughter Serena in infancy.

Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Friday, January 31, in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral mass 1 pm Saturday, February 1, in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow, with Father Tom MacNeil officiating. Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice. St. John the Baptist CWL will meet at the funeral home at 1:30 pm Friday for prayers.