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Robert MACKENZIE Obituary

ROBERT BRUCE MACKENZIE
St. Catharines, Ontario
January 28, 1949 - October 16, 2022
Rob stood out in any group: first by his size, matched by his bonhomie, infectious enthusiasm, forceful views freely but never aggressively expressed, openness, friendship, commitment to family, love for a good time, and his laughter as much at himself as with others.

Always fully charged with energy and enthusiasm which transferred to all those around him. Hard to say if he ever had any self-doubts as he projected perennial optimism. With Rob, anything and everything was possible - it could and would be done.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Rob started to make his mark early-in sports, school politics, and friend to all. He was an outstanding Little League goalie (an early Ken Dryden given his size), played Legion Baseball, high school football champion and City All-Star basketball player. Late in his athletic career he took up rowing and stroked the Western University varsity crew to several OUAA championships, including in his freshman year.

Driven by a desire to be involved and contribute, Rob was President of Oakridge Public School Student Council, Prime Minister of Sir Winston Churchill's School Parliament, and President of the University Students' Council at Western University from 1971 to 1972. A major accomplishment he was particularly proud of was the construction and opening of the University Community Centre at Western, a project he championed, first as V-P of Finance then USC President.

While President, Rob put his business degree on hold. Upon completion of his term as President, he returned to the Ivey Business School to complete his MBA in 1973.

At that point, Rob's continued desire to serve pivoted. Rather than pursuing politics or a business career, which would have seemed like a natural extension to many, he entered the diplomatic service.

Over a 37-year career, he served our country with the utmost dignity, integrity, and enthusiasm. His business acumen, political sensitivities, and affability brought an expertise and genuine personal touch to numerous trade issues and Team Canada missions. He also inspired and mentored hundreds of junior officers and colleagues, staying in close contact with many of them over the years.

He proudly represented Canada with postings in Puerto Rico, Chicago, Prague, London, Raleigh, Beijing, and as Consul General in Buffalo and Shanghai. Though not to forget Ottawa winters and repetitive French lessons.

Rob was blessed with a marvellous close-knit family, of which Sandi was clearly the boss. Together Rob and Sandi were a formidable team. Devoted to one another from their courtship days in Chicago, Rob married the love of his life on April 26,1980 in Charlevoix, Michigan. Their dedication to family came first and foremost, but this diplomatic 'Team Mackenzie' represented Canada as well with a deep commitment to serve.

Predeceased by his mother, Errol (Grosch) Hall, stepfather, Glenn Hall, and father, Robert Bruce Mackenzie. Survived by his loving family, wife, Sandi, daughter, Alexandra Zaveri (Nisschal), sons, Radley (Sarah Burgess), Tait, Michael (Becky Crabbe), grandchildren, Khiana & Dhrishaan Zaveri and brother, Ted (Judy Anga).

The Mackenzie Clan was and remains outgoing and welcoming, striving for the epitome of hospitality. Their Grand Bend cottage was a special place for Rob and family. From his childhood days there with his grandparents, it was always seen as a permanent open house and gathering place for family and friends (including for his USC Executive Team with his 'President's Chair' in tow). In fact, their home, wherever they lived, was always a pied-à-terre for visiting travellers.

Rob left his mark and will never be forgotten. We are all better for having had him in our lives. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be shared at EssentialsNiagara.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara or the May Court Club of St. Catharines would be appreciated. Information regarding a Celebration of Life for Rob will be announced.

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

Published by The Globe and Mail from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert MACKENZIE

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31 Entries

Robert J Metras

July 18, 2023

I echo the thoughts of my friend Ross McGregor. As a member of the USC with Rob I remember his friendship and style. I enjoyed visiting him in Prague and London.I most remember him for the Thompson Arena , Spoke and Rim and UCC campaigns. My dad thought highly of him at Western. I always remember his Beach of Pines retreat with his office chair on the beach. My condolences to Sandi and the family

Ross McGregor

December 4, 2022

Rob Mackenzie was a great friend and an outsized human being, figuratively and literally. We met each other at Onondaga in the 1960s when we were both young campers. Our paths continuously crossed for many decades thereafter. We were fellow camp counsellors, totally engaged with the kids and a host of extra curricular escapades across Halitburton and beyond. We were fellow Western students, pushing the envelope in university politics, university academic and social life, and beyond. We were physically separated through much of Rob´s illustrious diplomatic career and my law/consulting career, but always kept in touch by enthusiastically sharing both serious and outlandish stories and perspectives about our professional lives, our families, and the world at large. I remember crashing at Rob´s and Sandi´s residence in London a number of times in the 1990´s where I witnessed their extraordinary family chemistry and admired his exceptional representation of our country abroad.

Rob was a high impact player in every way. Engaged, smart, funny, authentic, compassionate, and loving. His passing is a real loss and he will be fondly remembered by the many people whose lives he touched in his remarkable life´s journey. My enormous thanks for Rob´s friendship and my heartfelt condolences to Sandi and the kids.

Ross McGregor
.

Anne Argyris

November 17, 2022

Very sorry for your loss. Rob was so kind, a really nice person I was fortunate to work with. My sincere condolences to the entire family. R I P

Louis Guay

November 17, 2022

Dear Sandy and Family,

I was saddened by the news of Rob´s departure for a better life.
There is a silver lining to such passing as I have found out myself recently.
Life has a beginning and an end. While existence has a beginning but can and does perpetuate itself through a variety of ways: our memories, thoughts, and the many impacts left by one´s contribution to his family, progeny, friends, work and play environments, etc.
On that score, Rob lives...
Rob has left an indelible mark on all of those who had the privilege of knowing him and sharing with him. He, therefore, remains in our hearts, and thoughts.
In Rob´s case, his passing also constituted a liberation of sorts.
Let´s celebrate his life and the fun and happiness he shared with us.
I hope to make it to the celebration of his life.
Louis

Mona Bieber

November 16, 2022

Dear Sandi and Family: It was with such profound sadness when the Bieber clan learned of Rob's passing. Such a great guy with such a wonderful family. Danielle and Caroline forever remember Rob spending time with them no matter what event we shared. Very fond memories of London and overlapping in Ottawa and slightly in Buffalo.
Our very best wishes to all of you. Mona and Doug

Henri-Paul Normandin

November 13, 2022

Dear Sandi and family:
We have fond memories of Rob and all of you from our time together in Beijing - at the Embassy, on the ice, and off the ice.
Our hearts are with you in these difficult moments.
- The Courchesne-Normandin family

Debi Pratt

November 12, 2022

Sandi and family: So very sorry to hear of Rob´s passing. Such an amazing person who was admired and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. My sincere condolences. Take care.

Peter and May Kryworuk

November 11, 2022

Dear Sandi and Family
Please accept our deepest condolences. We will miss seeing Rob at Beach O Pines, a place that was so special to him. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. We will miss his infectious smile and good humour. Our thoughts are with you.

Bev and Rick Tattersall

November 10, 2022

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Rob was a special man always with a smile. We hope that memories of good times past help ,in the days ahead .
Please know we are thinking of you all. Fondly Bev & Rick Tattersall

Stacey Pollard

November 10, 2022

My deepest condolences to you and your family Sandi. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, strength and love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

John & Sandy Dixon

November 9, 2022

Sandi and Family,
Our sincere condolences on Rob's passing. He'll be missed at Beach O'Pines.

Saunder and will Geerts

November 9, 2022

Dear Sandy and Family
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Rob
May his memories give you
strength to go on

Susan Ryan

November 9, 2022

Dear Sandi, I am remembering how kind and generous you and Rob were to me in London back in the 90s. You went to a comedy club with me, put me up for the night, and inspired me to buy the Rita MacNeil tape of Flying on Your Own. I just played it now and it broke my heart. All my love and Godspeed to you and your beautiful family.

Rouben Khatchadourian

November 8, 2022

Dear Sandi and family, our sincere condolences. Many fond memories from Beijing. Rob was a terrific and generous boss. It was nice to see you both again in London many years later - the kids still remember Rob´s tartan trousers. Our thoughts are with you. Rouben, Wendy and family.

David Burke

November 8, 2022

Rob, RIP. Penny and I have many fond memories of Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a cruise through the Three Gorges. David Burke

Suzie Findlay

November 8, 2022

My deepest, and most heart-felt condolences are with you and your family Sandi. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

Gordon Parsons

November 7, 2022

Rest In Peace my friend!

Bob & Debbie Schram

November 7, 2022

You will be missed our very talented and colourful friend. Thank you for brightening every aspect of the lives you touched along with your partner Sandi.
Bob & Debbie Schram

Ted Lipman

November 6, 2022

Was so sorry to hear the news... He´ll be missed

Patricia Marsden-Dole

November 6, 2022

Thank you Rob for your genius for outrageous remarks - full of humour and good spirit.

Bob Brack

November 6, 2022

I never met Rob but always wished I had. We were both USC Presidents and Foreign Service Officers. Re the former, his name was legendary by the time I came along in the same job. Condolences to his family and to those who knew him.

Jean-Pierre Petit

November 6, 2022

RIP Bob, thank you for your support and guidance always dispensed with clarity and generosity. Open to all closed to nothing, empathic and "sympathique" our giant will never rest in our heart. Le meilleur des collègues.

Yves LaBarre

November 6, 2022

Sandi extending to your family caring thoughts and deepest symphathy in you time of loss. Prague embassy was a better place because of him.

Clinton Brown FAIA

November 6, 2022

Dear Sandi and family. IU am among many, many people on the Niagara Frontier who had the privilege to know and work and be inspired by Rob. He was especially helpful to my son Tad as he was about to embark on his career as a US diplomat. And I recall what Rob predicted a couple of decades ago would be the state of the world during Tad's career was prescient. Alma and I send our love to you and yours. Best Wishes, Clint

Michael Virr

November 6, 2022

Very sorry to hear of Rob's passing. A great colleague. Rest in peace my friend.

Greg Goldhawk

November 6, 2022

A great loss for us all. I had great respect for Rob, developed through our interactions as colleagues in the Canadian foreign service / Trade Commissioner Service. He will be missed by me and many others.

Jerry Onyskiw

November 5, 2022

My condolences to Rob´s family and his brother Ted. Rest In Peace my friend.

Yash Zaveri

November 5, 2022

Yash Zaveri

November 5, 2022

Yash Zaveri

November 5, 2022

Rob was a wonderful human being so gentle and happy person that everyone loved him. He always had a smile on his face and ready to help anyone and everyone. May Almighty Bless His Soul And Give Peace To Him. Our Condolences To The Entire Mackenzie Family.

ALEX Thomson

November 5, 2022

RIP Rob. Another old team mate passes on. SWC Buldogs 66 #31

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