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Douglas McKENZIE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Douglas McKENZIE
28 Entries
Victoria University
November 4, 2024
On behalf of Victoria University, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Affairs & Advancement.
Robert Cranston
September 26, 2024
It was sad to hear the news about Mr. Mac's passing. My deepest condolences to the entire McKenzie Family.
When asked to name a person that made a difference in my life. Mr. Mac's name was first and foremost in that discussion. He inspired me to go into teaching. I spent 36 years in education and loved every moment.
I will be forever grateful for his belief in his students, his character and gifted educator.
Thank you for all did for me and all your students.
Gratefully,
Bob Cranston
Carole Baker
September 26, 2024
Know that my deepest condolences & love are with everyone. Doug brought a lot to our world & made a huge difference in the lives of many. I am thankful for the time I spent with him. Sincerely, Carole
Victoria University
September 17, 2024
2On behalf of Victoria University, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Affairs & Advancement.
Bruce Smith
September 16, 2024
My condolences to the family. I always respected his easy going approach and his rapport with students.
Jim Noel
September 16, 2024
So sad to hear about such an amazing teacher, friend, mentor, and leader. My deepest condolences to Deirdre and the family. Mac had an immense impact on my life - from the moment he suggested that I study for math tests instead of winging it to those wonderful training runs in Donalda (I'm not sure the members appreciated it) and Sunnybrook - sometimes with you and sometimes with the team. You inspired us to new heights and experiences, and I am so thankful for you supporting me for opportunities like athletic leadership camp and the Olympics. We learned to play basketball the "Mac" way, tough and unselfish. It was an honour to be invited to both your retirement and your 70th birthday where I saw what an amazing life you lived and how rich you were in friends, from students, to neighbors to colleagues. We stayed friends for many years after HS, and I enjoyed stopping in on Southlea for a run or to introduce my wife (only to learn you had been for dinner at her brothers recently)
Moving to Vancouver, I regret that we lost touch these last few years to gather your insights on my coaching track and XC or that I'm ready to host another runner's luncheon (mom inspired me to become a pretty good cook). I'll miss his humor and enthusiasm
Gord Cutler
September 15, 2024
Coach Mac was a great teacher and an even better person. So many hours in the gym or running XC for him proved invaluable for an impressionable high school athlete. A terrific teacher and mentor for so many of us. What a wonderful life and legacy, he will be missed by so many. Condolences to all of his family and friends.
Eleanor McKenzie
September 14, 2024
Lots of great memories come back to me about Doug and I as young kids.
We were just a year and a half apart in age..We would go to the Cameo movie theatre close by, every Saturday for the afternoon; cost 12 cents.; hikes in the Don Valley and visits to the museum downtown. We would venture to the Leaside main train station and once an engineer gave us a short ride. We played road hockey, hide and seek and other games.
Unforgettable times,
Eleanor McKenzie
Kathryn Aitken
September 13, 2024
Mr Mac had a huge impact on me! A great teacher and a wonderful person. You will be missed. Thx for all you did at Don Mills CI!
Jerry utter
September 13, 2024
Remembering DOUG for his joy of life and his wonderful laugh.
Mike Fich
September 12, 2024
Mr Mackenzie changed my life... I entered Grade 10 at DMCI as a completely non-atheletic student with no particular goals, interests or abilities. Mr Mackenzie encouraged me to show up for the cross-country team and that was it! Sometimes when there was no training run planned Mr Mackenzie would take just me for a run - and those were always along a hard route - and it felt great to stay with him. I had to stop running a few years ago because of leg issues, but I am still pushing my way as fast as I can go around Toronto parks - and especially up all of the steep hills that I can find. Thank-you Mr Mackenzie!
Doug Chester
September 11, 2024
I have great memories of Doug as a teacher and cross-country running coach. Doug was a great role model and an inspiration for being a teacher and living a healthy lifestyle. Doug was part of a team of teachers who made DMCI an incredible high school experience.
Steve Chisholm
September 11, 2024
Mr McKenzie was my grade 10 math teacher. He was an amazing teacher ! I spoke to him at the 50th reunion. He remembered me and was excited to see so many former students and colleagues.
Nick Vayenas
September 11, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. McKenzie. If anyone ever embodied the phrase "my door is always open" it was him. He lived those words fully, always welcoming and ready to listen. I honestly can´t recall a single time when his office door was closed.
Whenever I walked past the gym, there he was, getting ready for a run, no matter the weather. His dedication was unwavering. Mr. McKenzie wasn´t just a great coach, he was the best coach I ever had. His honesty and directness were something in truly admired. If you asked for his opinion, he gave it without sugarcoating and if you didn´t like the answer, he´d simply remind you "Why did you ask?"
Even after years of no contact, when I reached out to invite him to my wedding in 2006, he accepted without hesitation. That´s just who he was, a loyal friend who no matter the time or distance he would always show up when needed.
We´ve lost a truly good soul. I feel so thankful and blessed to have had Mr. McKenzie as part of my high school life.
Keep your daily runs up there Mr. McKenzie and make sure you come up with some new basketball plays and not the old "Gold" play.
Look forward to seeing you again one day and your memory will always be eternal.
You will be deeply missed.
Lisa Beech
September 11, 2024
Mr. McKenzie also made a lasting impact on my life through coaching cross-country and basketball at DMCI. I had never played sports before high school and found a new lifelong love for running and basketball, and coaching, through those experiences. I can still picture him vividly from those days - an amazing, inspiring coach and leader. As several have said, he made a huge positive impact on so many people's lives - a life very, very well lived. May he be running and playing in heaven
Kevin Cullingworth
September 11, 2024
My dad Ross Cullingworth was maybe Doug's oldest and closest friend and recently my father recounted the story of how they met in Grade 5:
One day Doug brought a feather into class and decided he would spend the morning tickling my dad's neck with the feather. Eventually, my father decided enough was enough and turned and said "If you don't knock it off with that darned feather, I'm going to jump over your desk and bite you in the nose!". Cue two minutes later and Doug couldn't resist himself. Sure enough my dad launched himself over the desk and tried his best to get a hold of that nose. Cue ten minutes later while they were dragged down to the principals office to get "the slugs" which was REAL physical abuse. After getting strapped by the principal, a beautiful friendship was born.
As for me, I can recall being a beer servant at one of the famous monthly poker games (age 8 or so) and Doug was always goading me to take a sip. Eventually I caved and took my first sip of beer - sure enough I made the bitter beer face and swore I would never drink beer again. Cue 7 years later and beer was no longer gross, a beautiful friendship was born. I can thank Doug for introducing me!
From the Cullingworth clan we say good-bye and you will surely be missed!
Marcia Jones-Shantz
September 11, 2024
So sad to hear of Mr. MacKenzie´s passing. He was a wonderful teacher and coach. I am sure others out there would agree that he instilled a love for physical activity and athletics in so many people. Last saw him a number of years ago at a DMCI reunion - just like catching up with an old friend -and often think of him when running on the trail. You made a lasting positive impact on many, many lives. So glad that I had the opportunity to be connected to you.
Laura Ryckman
September 11, 2024
A beautiful and talented educator. I was thankful that I ran into Mr. McKenzie 2 times as an adult. Once I was able introduce him to my own class (as he ran past us in Edward´s Gardens), and then to have him meet my own children. Both times, the introduction was, "This Mr. Mac-I´ve told you all stories about how patiently he taught me math."
Sending his family condolences. I hope these shared memories give you comfort.
Jane Randazzo (Pasquill)
September 10, 2024
Mr Mac was one of those teachers you never forget!! I was one of the lucky ones to have him as my math and PE teacher in the 80s. He always encouraged me work hard and give 100%. I always remembered him teaching me to do a proper layup in basketball. How to flick your wrist to complete a free throw!!
To his family, I send my condolences and am so thankful I had the opportunity to learn so much from him.
Julia Harvey
September 10, 2024
So sad to hear this news. Mr. Mac was one of my most influential teachers and running coach. I adored him. We bumped into him at Weber´s a few years ago and it was so wonderful to see him again! He will be missed and my life has been richer thanks to his influence. Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family.
Tricia Baldwin
September 10, 2024
Mr. McKenzie was one of my favourite teachers. Honest, compassionate, objective, and dedicated. I will always appreciate what he gave us as students.
Peter Weiss
September 10, 2024
Douglas taught me many years at Don Mills CI in both mathematics and physical education. He was an excellent teacher, athlete, personable and a great person that I´ll always admire. My condolences to the whole McKenzie family.
Judy McAleese
September 10, 2024
Shine on Coach Mac!
Richard and Jill Mason
September 8, 2024
To all of the Mackenzie extended family and friends, this is a sad and reflective moment. Especially for you Dee ! Jill and I were certainly taken aback when we received the news. The last few years have been difficult, for both you and Doug. I met Doug at The College of Education, and then we spent our years teaching, Doug at Don Mills, and myself at York Mills Collegiate. Many hours were spent in coaching and competing, the N.Y. Athletic Association, and after activity socializing. Doug was always a welcoming, principled, humourous, and open to discussion, individual. And, he never shied away from having an opinion either. A tremendous comrade ! I moved on from teaching after 17 years and unfortunately our contact diminished. However, I will cherish those great memories. Apparently there are some great cycling tracks in your new home. Enjoy. R.I.P.
Richard and Jill Mason.
Brian Josling
September 7, 2024
Well Doug I am devastated . As Much as I was on the Day in 2006
when Margaret passed .
You and I were the best of friends for 61 years , including after Marg was gone .
You were the guiding light for Marg ..... and many others .
Tracy , Kelly , Brad, Grace , Juliet, Griffin, Tess Margaret, and Isabella
Join me . You will never be forgotten.
Brian Josling.
Sarah Stringer (McKenzie)
September 7, 2024
Sarah Stringer (McKenzie)
September 7, 2024
Uncle Doug was one of a kind. I will miss his intelligence and unmatched sense of humour. He reminded me of my Dad after he passed away and he leaves a hole in the universe that nobody can fill. I hope he is finishing a 10k run and laughing over cards with my Mom and Dad and Auntie Marg.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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