R. Bruce MACKENZIE

MACKENZIE, R. Bruce
Robert Bruce MacKenzie, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Montreal on March 2, 2016 from complications from a medical condition. Bruce (as he was known to friends and family), was born in Northern Ontario on October 2, 1945, and grew up on a farm in Southwestern Ontario. An outstanding student, he pursued studies in English and French, and became fluently bilingual. He was awarded a Masters' degree in French Literature, two teaching fellowships, and the Swiss Ambassador's Prize for French Comprehension while attending The University of Western Ontario. Bruce studied in Paris, then settled in Montreal where he embarked upon an impressive career with Concordia University (then Loyola College) that would span over 30 years. He started work in the university English department in 1975, and took on a series of progressively challenging roles in the Registrar's Department up until his retirement in 2008. For five years he served as editor of the Concordia undergraduate calendar. In his final role as Director of Government Reporting, Statistics, and External Relations he represented the university on several provincial committees, liaising with Quebec university representatives and the Ministry of Education. Upon retirement he successfully performed a challenging condominium administrator role for a downtown Montreal building. Bruce had extensive knowledge of opera, and was a talented pianist and choir member. During the holidays he could be counted on to entertain family members with funny versions of the songs he regularly performed in a piano bar. He enjoyed visiting galleries, and a discriminating eye enabled him to collect fine art and beautiful things. His enthusiasm for hearing the news of friends and family, sound judgement, and guidance made him a trusted confidante and loyal friend. His passing will be mourned by many friends and family. He is survived by his brother Alex MacKenzie of Victoria, British Columbia, his nephew Scott MacKenzie, and niece Andrea MacKenzie. Friends and colleagues will gather at Concordia University in the next few weeks to remember Bruce. Please contact john.miller@concordia.ca for further information.