June 25, 1938 – February 25, 2023

Kenneth “Ken” McKenzie, 84, of Kamloops, British Columbia passed away on February 25, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Ken was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Kenneth and Katherine (Gemby) McKenzie on June 25, 1938. He grew up in Winnipeg, as an only child, and was touched by tragedy when his father passed away suddenly at the age of 44. Ken was only 14 years of age at the time. The following year, Ken began a career with Canadian National Railways as a ‘call boy,’ riding his bicycle around Winnipeg to notify railway employees at home that they had been called into work. Ken’s long career as a CNR, and subsequently, VIA railroader spanned some 40 years, and at the time of his retirement he held the position of #1 on the conductor seniority list.

In addition to his passion for the railways, Ken was an active and enthusiastic member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine brotherhood. He belonged to 14 lodges spanning across Canada. In conjunction with members of the Kamloops Shrine, he was one of the founders of the Kamloops Keystone Kops. Ken’s involvement in the Kops saw him regularly attending various parades throughout British Columbia and into Washington state.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Gail, of 61 years; children Kenneth (Sonia) McKenzie Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kathy McKenzie of Kamloops, British Columbia; grandchildren Monika (Christian) Garland and Haley (Scott) Weniger of Lynchburg, Virginia as well as cherished, dear friends.

We cannot say ‘Thank You’ enough for the care Ken received at the Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior, Royal Inland Hospital and the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home. The overworked staff of these three critical institutions cared for Ken with compassion and dignity. We are equally thankful for the attention and care provided by our family physician, Dr. Jonathan Wiltshire. Thank you sir!

Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Masonic Lodge, 351 Nicola Street, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Memorial donations can be made to the Shrine Children’s Hospital or the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home.

Condolences may be expressed at First Memorial Funeral Services.

• Date : 2023-02-25
• Location : Kamloops