MURRAY ALEXANDER McKENZIE

July 2, 1934 - January 3, 2026

With profound sadness, we announce the death of Murray Alexander McKenzie. Murray died peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre with his son Robert by his side.

Murray grew up in a large family with many siblings on Donald Street in Fort William. He attended Fort William Vocational School where his athletic ability shone in sports as varied as rugby, basketball and baseball, but most notably football. Under the coaching of Ted Murphy, he excelled both as a kicker and running back. During this time Murray also worked for Pittsburgh Paints and his father’s company, McKenzie Cartage.

After high school, Murray became a kicker and running back for the Fort William Redskins. That team successfully played together for many years in the 50s against such formidable foes as the Westfort Ukes and the Port Arthur Mustangs. Their efforts culminated in the Canada-wide Dominion Championships in 1958. As a result, Murray was scouted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Rugby Club and Colorado College, and he was offered a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

At this time, Murray met Bernice Kivi, who was attending McKellar Nursing school. Her alluring beauty and charm won Murray over and they were married on October 21st 1961. Bernice encouraged Murray to give up football and go into policing instead. Murray took her advice on that, and many other things over their long marriage. He worked for the Thunder Bay Police Force for over 30 years, working his way up through the ranks before retiring as an Inspector in 1994.

Murray and Bernice raised their three children, Jill, Lynn and Robert, largely on Confederation Drive. During this time, Murray continued to play sports, including baseball, then golf and curling. He also remained involved with the Fort William Redskins’ Reunions, Club 17 Baseball, Knights of Pythius, and the United Commercial Travellers. Just last year, Murray went with his son to receive his 25 year membership pin at the United Commercial Travelers banquet. He was a quiet, strong man with a hearty appetite and a distinct, mischievous side. No one laughed harder, but quietly, when Bernice was thrown into Stuart Lake during a particularly raucous McKenzie family gathering. It was impossible to go anywhere in town without Murray running into someone who knew him.

When you live as long as Murray, many loved ones predecease you. Murray was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Bernice (Kivi), his parents Alice and Clifford, his brother Jim McKenzie, his sisters, Peggy Sutton and Norma MacDonald, his sisters-in-law Anne McKenzie and Enid McKenzie and his brothers-in-law John (Mac) MacDonald and Walter Duczeminski.

Murray is survived by his loving brother, Gordon McKenzie, his sister Joan Ducziminski and his children Jill (Peter), Lynn, and Robert (Jenn). Murray will also be remembered fondly and missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Katharine, Sarah, Olivia (Josiah), Nicholas, Chelsea, Elora, Aiden, Zoey, and Julien.

As per Murray’s wishes, cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Murray’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at 1pm at the Superior Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario. There will be refreshments and access to a microphone for those with stories to share! All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or to the Thunder Bay Public Library.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.