Obituary of Donald Charles MacKenzie

Donald Charles MacKenzie (Dad, Grandpa, Don, Donnie) died peacefully in Sarnia in Vision Long Term Care on May 6, 2021 at the age of 76. Don’s entire family was able to spend time with him in his final hours, something they will be eternally grateful for. Beloved long-time fiancé of Susan Ward; special friend to Susan’s sons, Benjamin and Jonathan Hyatt. Don was loving father of Chuck MacKenzie and Kathy (Brent) Starr. He was the whisker rubbing Grandfather to Emilee, Brandon, Britney, Kaitlyn and Nathan Starr. Beloved Big brother to Brian (Anita) MacKenzie; cherished uncle to Aaron (Jessica) MacKenzie and their children Connor and Riley and Sarah MacKenzie (Shawn Leegsma) and their girls Cecilia and Eloise. Incredible friend to Jim Smith and Constable Don Piggott.

Don was born on April 26, 1945  in St. Thomas, Ontario to Donald and Lillian MacKenzie. 

He had a long career as an employee of Polysar rising to Day Foreman of Butyl II, receiving awards of excellence of which we were all very proud. Don was particularly proud of the design work he did on Polysar's Butyl II plant. He would work many long days through the summer, followed by long stretches at the cottage.  Don was a long time member of the Aylen Lake community, where he became a handyman, building the family cottage from the ground up with the help of his family. He tried to pass these skills on to his children (and son-in-law) and would have loved to pass them on to his grandchildren. Don was a thrill seeker when it came to pulling people behind the boat, he may have invented cracking the whip! As a father he was much more of a gentle giant.

He was also a known community member at Bluewater Country where he lived in recent years.  

Through Don and Susan’s years together, over a decade and a half, they enjoyed life with gratitude to God for having found one another. Susan and the boys will have many wonderful memories to cherish of events and trips with their Donnie Mack, including Cocoa Beach, Brevard Community College’s Planetarium, air-boating with the alligators, and 360 degrees of fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World.

We want to give thanks to all the staff at Vision Long Term Care who loved and cared for  Don, especially when we couldn't be there.  Don has suffered multiple health issues for many years, and is now at peace. He will be laid to rest where he worked the hardest, building a sanctuary for his children, grandchildren and hopefully many generations to come. The best Christmas present we ever received was the gift of life when he received a donor kidney on Christmas Eve, which allowed him to be with us another ten years.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s family is asking you to please fill out your Organ donation. Over 1,600 Ontarians are currently waiting for organ transplants, and only 35% of Ontarians are registered to donate. Donating your organ tissue can save up to 8 lives. Register today at https://www.beadonor.ca/
Donations can also be made to Diabetes Canada or the Kidney Foundation.  Cremation had taken place.  Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd. (519-344-3131).  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com