It is with great sadness that the family of Murdo Graham MacKenzie announces his passing on August 16, 2014 at the age of 92. He died peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Comox from a stroke following a battle with a respiratory illness he had since youth. He lived his long life to the fullest including living independently until the day of his death.

Murdo is survived by his daughter Marguerite Harrott, son Stuart MacKenzie (Heather), grandsons Chris and Scott Harrott and nephews David and Saradananda (Norman) MacKenzie.

He was born in Vancouver on July 18, 1922, of Highland Scottish parents and was proud of his Scottish heritage. He attended Lord Kitchener Elementary and Point Grey Junior High (then Lord Byng High School). He then obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of B.C. in 1944. While at UBC he served on the Student's Council campaigning on a policy of pragmatic idealism, a philosophy that he followed in life.

After graduation Murdo worked in Victoria, Ocean Falls, Vancouver and Toronto. Much of his career was spent as a Human Resource Manager with Shell Canada. He aimed to help the company succeed financially through the development and administration of effective HR policies and practices.

On retirement from Shell he developed a successful management consulting practice in Vancouver in Executive Recruitment and career counselling.

Murdo enjoyed sports, particularly rugby, tennis and skiing. He also liked working with young people, particularly with guiding them in their careers and life.

He remained well known to his high school and university classmates as he maintained class lists and helped organize reunions. Murdo administered a scholarship program on behalf of the alumni of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was also active in professional and community organizations and was Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Capilano.

Murdo moved from West Vancouver to Comox in 2011 where his strong conversational skills and dry sense of humour led to many friends and connections in the community. He was a member of Probus (Comox Strathcona) and the Shallowmen. He enjoyed a happy time at his recent 92nd birthday party and appreciated the camaraderie of friends and family, particularly the David and Gillian MacKenzie family visiting from England.

Cremation was his choice with his ashes to be spread in the sea. A celebration of life will be held in the coming months with details available from the family or by emailing Stuart at [email protected]. Memorial donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, www.ugm.ca

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

Published by Connecticut Post from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Murdo MacKenzie

2 Entries

tim bancroft

August 28, 2014

I met Murdo in 1974 when I was a student from Britain just starting a course on a student visa in Canada. I interviewed with Murdo at Shell in Toronto. Many companies advised me to return to Britain after my studies and re-apply then. Murdo was the exception. He took an amazing personal interest in me and kept looking for a role for me somewhere with Shell. It took many months to get me in the door but he had a "never give up attitude" which I'll never forget. I stayed 31 years with Shell retiring as a Vice President of the company. I had several other senior colleagues at Shell who owed their start as well to Murdo. On moving back to Vancouver, I met Murdo again shopping for Greek food on Broadway. When I retired in 2007, I was honoured to invite him to a retirement cocktail party because I really owe my Shell career to Murdo who saw something in me which others bypassed. A true gentleman and a charming, active and vibrant man well into his 80s. An inspiration for us all.

Julie Marzolf

August 27, 2014

I was privileged to meet Murdo through the Kiwanis in West Vancouver in 2011. Murdo always presented a very thoughtful opinion, often sprinkled with good humour and insight. He was very thoughtful in his desire to assist seniors find suitable housing, from those with limited means and those who could afford private care. He didn't differentiate and gave as much respect to one as the other. When Murdo decided to move to Comox to be close to his son and family, he continued to communicate with me from time to time, always interested in current affairs and the welfare of others. He chose well to move close to his family for what turned out to be his final years. I am glad to have known him for a short snapshot of his long and fruitful life. May his legacy and spirit live on in those who knew, loved and respected him.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results