Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1957

DIED

2021

David MacKenzie Obituary

4 July 1957 to 26 November 2021

John David MacKenzie passed away at TBRHSC on 26 November 2021 with his family at his side. David was born on 4 July 1957 in Port Arthur to the late Bob and Salle MacKenzie. He grew up in Fort William and spent many summers at Silver Islet, where he fondly reminisced about DJ'ing at dances. He was a talented musician and hockey player throughout school and university. Following graduation from law school at Queen's, he began his early legal career as civil and defence counsel before joining the Thunder Bay Crown Attorney's Office in 1994. He retired in 2018, but continued to practice part time. Dave met Ellen, the love of his life, decades before convincing her to marry him in 1999. He was a proud father to Rhiannon (Geoff, Jaxon) and Hunter, and brother to Robert of Saanich, BC. He was a devoted dad who spent many hours with Rhiannon and Hunter at the hockey rink, baseball diamond and football field. He spent countless hours coaching many goalies over the years, with great success. His love of sports was especially evident in his rabid love of the Green Bay Packers. The mood at home and the office on Monday morning was often determined by what had happened in the game the day before. He loved listening to Bruce Springsteen with his constant companion, Bailey the beagle. In the legal community, Dave was renowned for his quick wit and unrivalled knowledge of the law. He was a go-to person, before and after his retirement, for lawyers, staff [except Ellen!] and police, as a resource for obscure legal questions, procedural issues, and practical advice. Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Andrew. He will be missed by his extended family of in-laws, who absorbed him into the Currie clan. The family would like to thank the doctors and medical staff  at the TBRHSC who cared for him during his time there. Memorial donations to PRO Kids or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Dec. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David MacKenzie

Not sure what to say?





46 Entries

Joan Loveday

January 25, 2022

I just heard this sad news today. I am sorry for your loss, Ellen. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Hugs

Marcella Sandrin

December 16, 2021

So very saddened to learn of Dave´s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Ellie, Rhiannon and Hunter. Hugs to all the Currie family also. Thinking of you all ....
Mugs, Megan and Peter

Bill Nicholl

December 8, 2021

Deepest condolences to the family. Coach Dave was a goaltending legend. He worked with every goaltender we had over the past 15 years and times would work with 3 or 4 teams in a season. Dave loved what we did and instilled confidence in each of his goaltenders. From highly talented athletes to brand new goaltenders Dave always delivered a calm approach and a success rate like no other. It was common to find the teams he worked with at the top of the standings. Teams in hockey and teams in life are built from the goalie out. Dave built the family he loved so much, the passion for his work in the justice system and his enthusiastic approach to teaching the tools of the trade to his fellow young goaltenders. David Mackenzie it was a pleasure and honour to stand beside beside you and with you for all those years.
God Bless You.

John and Kathy McKee

December 7, 2021

We extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss. It is beyond sadness for you and your family to have to say goodbye to Dave. Please know you are in our thoughts as you grieve And learn to move forward without Dave present in your lives.

Ellaree Metz

December 4, 2021

My deepest condolences on your loss. Sadden to hear of David's passing. May you find peace in this difficult time and his soul travel well.

Diane Senecal

December 4, 2021

Ellen, Rhiannon and Hunter, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, and celebrating a remarkable life.
"Some people don´t just live life... They illuminate it". Farewell, Mack.

Trudy Mckinnon

December 4, 2021

My deepest condolences Ellen to you and your family. Dave was a unique person. He would listen, offer advice and then shake his head at me and offer a smart remark. He will be missed.

Gladys Grant

December 3, 2021

With deepest and heartfelt sympathy Rhiannon and family in the loss of your loving father John David. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Take care, your dad will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Love Auntie Gladys

Angelo Foglia

December 3, 2021

Ellen , Rhiannon, and Hunter my deepest condolences on the passing of Mac who I truly admired as a prosecutor, coach, mentor but most of all as a friend.

Ian MacRae

December 3, 2021

I was deeply saddened to hear of David's passing earlier this week. I had the pleasure of teaching and coaching David during our time at Fort William Collegiate. David was the consummate student-athlete who personified the FWCI motto "Agimus Meliora" - Let us do better! He was a gifted student, an excellent athlete, a talented musician, and a supportive friend to all. The cerebral approach he brought to all his initiatives was indeed unique. David was a reminder of kinder, gentler times! God bless you, my friend.

Peter Lucas

December 3, 2021

I first met Dave in 1984 when we shared office space and became friends. I visited his residence frequently along with many others and his first home was a gathering place of like minded individuals presided over by a genial host. After Dave´s marriage to Ellen we continued our friendship and I always looked forward to our meetings until I left Thunder Bay in 2005. Reading the condolences it is clear that Dave was much more than an accomplished legal practitioner. He was a well rounded gentleman who shared his life with others in hockey and other pursuits and his heart felt compassion for those he encountered is expressed by many. He was devoted to his family who were the focus of his life. We continued to text each other until recently and I was truly shocked to hear of his passing. He was a dear friend to my family and especially to me and I will miss him.
Sincerest condolences for your loss to Ellen and family from all of us.
Peter G. Lucas and Family

The MacGowan Family

December 3, 2021

Hunter, Ellen and Rhiannon we are so very sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of your dear Dad and Husband. Thinking of You. Cole, Lori and Dave

Mary Steele

December 3, 2021

Ellen, I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing, and I'm very sorry for your loss.

I worked with Mac for many years. Dave was definitely quick-witted and a genius at his job. He was my "go to" person and I'm grateful to have learned so much from him over the years. Rest peacefully, my friend.

Janet MacArthur

December 2, 2021

So very sorry for your families loss.

Ernie Rollason

December 2, 2021

Deepest condolences, very sorry for you loss. Dave was an amazing guy, many memories. I will tip a coors light to you Dave.

Gloria Richardson

December 2, 2021

I had the pleasure to work with Dave early in my career. He always had my back. Truly a brilliant, kind and friendly guy and quite the jokester. I can say I had the pleasure of knowing him. Our most sincere condolences to Ellen, Rhiannon and Hunter. May you be blessed with all of the happy memories.

Dann Alexander

December 2, 2021

Deleted Dave's number out of my phone today. Still kind of lost for words, which he never was.

Will raise a glass, can or bottle in his honour soon. Or all three at once.

Ian McCutchon

December 2, 2021

Such sad news, my condolences to Ellen and family. Dave was one of the few people that I have only heard praise sbout. He will be missed.

Lex MacArthur

December 2, 2021

I've met a lot of great people in hockey. Dave was one of a kind. I'd get a good chuckle when I'd wake up to an email time stamped at some ungodly hour and realizing that Dave was always on duty. So many benefitted from his expertise over the years. Forever grateful for the time with Dave and Hunter. Condolences Ellen, Rhiannon and Hunter

Sandra Buffone

December 2, 2021

My condolences to you Ellen and the kids. I worked with Dave at the Crown Attorney´s office. I will remember his witty personality. My heart goes out to you and the family during this difficult time.

Eileen Marie McGrath Ervin

December 2, 2021

I had the pleasure of dealing with Dave for many many years, he was a kind hearted man. My deepest condolences to Ellen and family and everyone who knew him, RIP Dave you will be missed.

Susan & Conrad Letowski

December 2, 2021

Sincerest condolences to David´s family on the loss of their loved husband, father, family member and friend. May he Rest In Peace

Janette Sprovieri

December 2, 2021

Ellen my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Gary Schmidt

December 2, 2021

Very saddened to learn of Dave´s passing. He was a really decent person, sincere and honest, with an incisive and quick wit. Dave was very good "on his feet" and truly found his calling when he became an assistant Crown Attorney. Rest In Peace old friend. My condolences to all of the MacKenzie family.

Gary Schmidt
Friend

Robert MacKenzie

December 2, 2021

To all who knew my brother, I ask that you take a moment, raise a glass, and reflect. He was an exceptional individual, someone devoted to his family, devoted to his career, devoted to making the world a better place. As a brother, he could be terse, grumpy, sometimes even down-right annoying - just as a brother should be. I will miss my brother greatly; a good soul, gone much too soon.

Taylore Hald

December 1, 2021

Sincere condolences to Dave´s family and friends. He was a justice fighter and a really decent person.

DANIEL O CALVERT

December 1, 2021

May God bless you Ellen and your family in this time of sorrow. Dave was a great hockey player, coach and life mentor.

Sonia Kondrat

December 1, 2021

Sincerest condolences to David's entire family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Many of us from FWCI will remember Dave for his musical contributions with his baritone in our concert band, his wit, enthusiasm for sports (especially hockey and football), and his inherent intellect. He never fell short of giving 100% to whatever he was committed to, which included the friendships that he forged over the years. He was a great human being and will be sorely missed.

Jenna Young

December 1, 2021

Thinking of Ellen, Rhiannon and the entire family and offering support and strength at this difficult time. I have many fond memories, including most saving our family from a boating mishap involving a small fire and lost keys. Love to you all.

Kevin Tremblay

December 1, 2021

sincere condolences to Ellen and the Mackenzie family, Dave was one of the finest people I i ever played hockey with, sure will miss his texts, rest well Macker

Barb Friday

December 1, 2021

Ellen and family, I was very saddened to learn of David´s illness and subsequent passing. I had the opportunity to chat with him over the years when I covered probation matters at court and always appreciated his approachability and fairness. Of course, sitting in court during his trials was always a treat. Part theatre when the right combination of folks were present and there was always a fine display of his acute wit and intelligence. He leaves a tremendous void in our legal community and will be greatly missed.

Derek Johnson

December 1, 2021

Our sincere condolences to you Ellen and family during this extremely difficult time. Dave was a fantastic supporter of the the APS and we were fortunate to share his friendship. Thoroughly enjoyed playing hockey against him as well. Rest well Mac

Kelly Walsh

December 1, 2021

It's hard to read about this loss.  Dave was a source of guidance and friendship for over 30 years.   I will miss his sharp, dry sense humor, blunt honesty and our afternoon chats.  Words can't express the respect I have for Mack and his dedication to his family and profession.  I hope you and DSY are working a case!! Goodbye my friend.

Jim Mauro

December 1, 2021

Loved my time in court with Crown Mac........some good conversations.....a few even about work.....my deepest sympathy to Ellen and the entire family

Tony Potestio

December 1, 2021

I was fortunate to start my legal career with Dave. We became good friends and I will always remember his great sense of humour.

Bruce Barnes

December 1, 2021

Nothing tighter than a sports team & Dave made his mark for us as our solid, top goalie. He made us play better for him, especially when we were losing and he snagged a sure goal to push us harder. .....on behalf of all the Hodder Boilermakers.

Rick Ongaro

December 1, 2021

Had the pleasure of coaching with Dave a number of years back. He was always the go to guy when someone needed a goalie coach and needed little persuasion when it came to working with kids. Condolences to the entire Family.
Rick Ongaro

Lee koski

December 1, 2021

Mackenzie family
words are never enough to fill for your loss. A great friend and mentor has left us Dave was a close confidant and advisor in my police career . David was the closer to many difficult and emotional cases a compassionate and focused Officer of the Court , also a defender of the victims left in the aftermath of the remains of the day. Dave you and other warriors of justice will always be in my memories.

Randy Cameron

December 1, 2021

Ellen and family,

My sincerest condolences on David's passing. I always enjoyed having the opportunity to consult with Dave regarding probation matters or simply talking hockey at a local rink. He will be missed.

Robert MacKenzie

December 1, 2021

To all those who knew my brother, I ask that you take a moment, raise a glass, and reflect.

He was an exceptional individual, devoted to family, devoted to his career, devoted to making the world a better place.

He could be terse, he could be grumpy, he could be down-right annoying, but that is what a brother is.

I will miss my brother greatly. A good soul, taken much too soon.

Terri Dimini

December 1, 2021

Ellen and family
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I always enjoyed watching David in Court.
He will be missed.

Paul Tremblay

December 1, 2021

Sad to see the news of Dave´s passing today.
Went to high school with him and played hockey together.
Hadn´t seen each other in years but will always remember him as a smart, nice guy and a friend.
RIP Big Man.

Karen Scullion

December 1, 2021

David "Mack" was a legend in so many ways. I enjoyed our early morning banter about various things including our kids and hockey. He coached my son Liam who cr ry much looked up to him. David is already greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace. I want to extend my condolences to Ellen, the kids and the rest of his family both personally and on behalf of Scullion Law.

Kevin Brothers

December 1, 2021

David will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He had a very unique combination of wit and intelligence, and was greatly respected by those in the legal community. He was a very fine mentor to all aspiring goaltenders who were coached by him over the years. Sincere wishes to Ellen and Rhiannon and Hunter during this difficult time.

Dean Gerrie

December 1, 2021

Sincere condolences to Macker´s family.

Craig MacArthur

December 1, 2021

I knew David for two years at L.U. In fact, he lent me Springsteen albums once he found out I was unfamiliar with the music - something for which I will always be grateful. I can attest to his wit, as I was on the receiving end on a number of occasions. Please accept my sincere condolences and I hope that the wonderful memories of a life well lived will offer some consolation at this time.

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

Memorial Events
for David MacKenzie

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.