Robert B. MacKenzie

      1948 – 2021

Robert Byron MacKenzie, 72, of Centre Napan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

Born in Chatham, NB, on November 15, 1948, Bob was the only son and youngest child of Byron and Lorna (Watling) MacKenzie. He grew up in Centre Napan, and attended the MacKnight School and Chatham High School. After graduating in 1968, Bob joined the exodus of young Maritimers bound for Toronto. He later moved to Kitchener, ON, and in November 1969 joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was briefly stationed at CFB Chatham as a Military Policeman before leaving the service in 1970 to join the first crew at the newly-constructed Airscrew-Weyroc mill at Morrison Cove. He worked at the mill site, primarily as a heavy equipment operator, for the majority of the remainder of his working career, until he retired in 2017.

Bob was a western movie aficionado, and his knowledge of western actors and their films was encyclopedic. He was a quiet, private man whose circle was largely made up of his family. An adherent of Carmel United Church, Bob was a lifelong resident of Napan.

Bob is survived by his wife of fifty years, Judy (Barry); three sons: Bob (Kristina), Rocky Mountain House, AB; Scott, Red Deer, AB; and Barry (Marielle), Antigonish, NS; four grandchildren: Jade Forbes, Keaton MacKenzie-Clermont, and Henry and Abby MacKenzie; one sister, Barbara Morrison (David), Fredericton; three aunts; one uncle; and a large number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by parents, Byron (1997) and Lorna (2006), and his sister, Carol MacMillan (2013). He was laid to rest beside them in the Black River Community Cemetery.

A visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi on Monday, October 11th, 2021, from 7-9 PM.  A funeral was held at St. Stephen’s United Church, Black River Bridge on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021, at 11 AM with The Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight as Officiant.  Music for the service was provided by David Mann, and the joint Loggieville-Black River Pastoral Charge choir, combined with the voices of the congregation.  Hymns included:  "The Lord's My Shepherd", "In The Garden", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and the recessional hymn "Amazing Grace".  The lighting of the Memory Candle was by son, Bob MacKenzie. Scripture readings were by Dorothy Watling and Geri Donahue.  Remembrances were by son, Barry MacKenzie.  The urn bearer was son, Scott MacKenzie.

IMPORTANT:

Please be advised of Government of New Brunswick requirements for mandatory masking in all indoor public spaces, and the requirement to provide proof of FULL vaccination, as well as proof of any medical exemption, and government-issued ID for all those 12 and older upon entry for BOTH visitations and funerals.  Please consider the allocation of extra time required to register for services. To ensure this registration process flows smoothly, please have documents ready at the door upon arrival.  Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia or the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492, or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

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