John
John Kenneth Mackenzie
Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 with his family at his side, John "Jack" "Jake" Kenneth MacKenzie, in his 94th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife Theresa "Marie" MacKenzie (1988). Cherished father of Kirk (Ann), Mark (Kathy), Kieran and Jackie Donovan (Michael). Also survived by several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Angels' Parish, 502 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario on Monday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Johnson officiating. Prayers to be held in the Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment to take place at 3:00 p.m. in St. Peter's Cemetery, London. Sincere thanks to all the countless devoted UH Staff, Mount Hope staff especially on St. Mary's 1st floor and Marian Villa's 4th floor, Dr. Mawji, Annette, Johnny Z., Tilly, St Eliz, Sisters of St. Joseph, Fr. Hardy, Gary D. and all the many other companions and visitors.
John Kenneth (Jake) MacKenzie of London, Ontario, passed away Nov 14,
2019 at University Hospital in the presence of his family. Born to
parents John Kenneth Sr. and Martha Aquinas (Moto) (nee Rush) in
Toronto April 19th, 1926, he met his future wife, the beautiful Marie
Kirk at the youth group of Blessed Sacrament Church on Yonge Street.
He graduated from Osgoode Hall 1954, married Marie a year later and
they moved to London, Ontario to raise their family.
Jake practiced law for over thirty years, for which he was awarded
the distinction of Queen's Counsel. Known as Jack to his colleagues,
his cross examinations were legendary. One colleague recently said:
"I don't remember much about 1978, but I remember Jack's cross
examination". His attention to detail and desire to 'get it right'
was a driving force in his life. Joan McIntyre was his devoted
assistant and maintained a lifelong friendship, as did many of his
former employees.
The long illness and early death of his beautiful wife, Marie, in
1988, took a toll on the family. Jake retired from the practice of
law shortly after losing her. Thereafter, he devoted himself to
several charitable works including ones that he created - too
numerous to mention. His generous acts are many from offering housing
rides to daily Mass to shelter in his home, to letters of comfort, to
helping dig a water well in Africa, and helping establish a food bank
in Mexico.
Jake also learned to cook - his lasagnas and biscuits were legendary.
He learned to play the flute. He learned Spanish. Jake was an active
participant in the life of his neighbourhood. He lived on Spencer
Cres for almost 40 years. He was a beloved figure in the
neighbourhood - he was generous and kind but also was the recipient
of many generous acts and kind acts in return.
In later years his passion and devotion to his faith led him to write
and publish several books including 'The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:
The Greatest Action on Earth". It has been described as moving and 'a
valuable compendium of certain central elements of the Catholic
faith'. It certainly is detailed and well researched. You can find it
at http://holysacrificeofthemass.com.
He shared his love of music with his children, generously supporting
all their musical pursuits and with his wife attending every concert,
play, and sporting event in which his children participated. From the
building of a skating rink in the backyard to ski trips in Muskoka -
a love of winter sports has been happily passed through the
generations. He also taught his children how to be kind to strangers.
The greatest gift he has given his children is the passion of his
conviction. A highly principled man whose greatest desire was to
fulfil the will of God.
He was a beautiful combination of smart and kind. Dad did not want to
take credit himself and so we will celebrate his life and give all
honour and glory to God. He was a great man. Nothing in half
measures. A great character with a great mind and a great heart.
Great fun and a great inspiration. He will be greatly missed by a
great number of people.
He is survived by his four children and their families, Kirk (Ann),
Mark (Kathy), Kieran and Jackie (Michael), grandchildren Stuart,
Shannon, Malcolm, Marie, Kyle, Ryan and Kara and Stephanie, his many
nieces and nephews from the Costello and Kirk families.
John Kenneth (Jake) MacKenzie of London, Ontario, passed away Nov 14,
2019 at University Hospital in the presence of his family. Born to
parents John Kenneth Sr. and Martha Aquinas (Moto) (nee Rush) in
Toronto April 19th, 1926, he met his future wife, the beautiful Marie
Kirk at the youth group of Blessed Sacrament Church on Yonge Street.
He graduated from Osgoode Hall 1954, married Marie a year later and
they moved to London, Ontario to raise their family.
Jake practiced law for over thirty years, for which he was awarded
the distinction of Queen's Counsel. Known as Jack to his colleagues,
his cross examinations were legendary. One colleague recently said:
"I don't remember much about 1978, but I remember Jack's cross
examination". His attention to detail and desire to 'get it right'
was a driving force in his life. Joan McIntyre was his devoted
assistant and maintained a lifelong friendship, as did many of his
former employees.
The long illness and early death of his beautiful wife, Marie, in
1988, took a toll on the family. Jake retired from the practice of
law shortly after losing her. Thereafter, he devoted himself to
several charitable works including ones that he created - too
numerous to mention. His generous acts are many from offering housing
rides to daily Mass to shelter in his home, to letters of comfort, to
helping dig a water well in Africa, and helping establish a food bank
in Mexico.
Jake also learned to cook - his lasagnas and biscuits were legendary.
He learned to play the flute. He learned Spanish. Jake was an active
participant in the life of his neighbourhood. He lived on Spencer
Cres for almost 40 years. He was a beloved figure in the
neighbourhood - he was generous and kind but also was the recipient
of many generous acts and kind acts in return.
In later years his passion and devotion to his faith led him to write
and publish several books including 'The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:
The Greatest Action on Earth". It has been described as moving and 'a
valuable compendium of certain central elements of the Catholic
faith'. It certainly is detailed and well researched. You can find it
at http://holysacrificeofthemass.com.
He shared his love of music with his children, generously supporting
all their musical pursuits and with his wife attending every concert,
play, and sporting event in which his children participated. From the
building of a skating rink in the backyard to ski trips in Muskoka -
a love of winter sports has been happily passed through the
generations. He also taught his children how to be kind to strangers.
The greatest gift he has given his children is the passion of his
conviction. A highly principled man whose greatest desire was to
fulfil the will of God.
He was a beautiful combination of smart and kind. Dad did not want to
take credit himself and so we will celebrate his life and give all
honour and glory to God. He was a great man. Nothing in half
measures. A great character with a great mind and a great heart.
Great fun and a great inspiration. He will be greatly missed by a
great number of people.
He is survived by his four children and their families, Kirk (Ann),
Mark (Kathy), Kieran and Jackie (Michael), grandchildren Stuart,
Shannon, Malcolm, Marie, Kyle, Ryan and Kara and Stephanie, his many
nieces and nephews from the Costello and Kirk families.
To order memorial trees in memory of John Kenneth Mackenzie, please visit our tree store.
Guestbook
Visits: 12
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors