Arthur Henry McKenzie known as “Art”, passed away suddenly on June 18, 2006 in the Ahbau Creek area.
Art was born on May 7, 1934 in Grassland, Alberta. The fourth child of nine, born to his parents James and Olga McKenzie.
His family moved to Kelowna in 1937, then in 1939 when he was five years old, they moved and homesteaded in the Ahbau Creek area.
Art attended school in the Ahbau Creek area and did numerous ranching and farming jobs around the community in his teen years.
He helped his father in his guiding business, when Americans came up hunting and fishing during the 1940’s and 1950’s. From there he became involved with his father and brother Albert, logging and sawmilling through the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Art was very industrious and skilled at many trades which lead him to numerous jobs for other employers, including commercial fishing, millwright, tree faller, machine operator and of course farming and ranching on the McKenzie homestead
He also helped his Dad and brother Don on their trapline in the area.
He had many pleasurable activities from travelling to Europe and Hawaii, to everything that he enjoyed in the great outdoors - snowmobiling, hunting and fishing.
He loved being with other people, socializing and having fun. He enjoyed growing flowers and just spending time with nature.
He is lovingly remembered by his family; sisters, Marcella (Robert) Lansdell of Quesnel, Ethel (Lawrence) Read of Tappen, B.C., Florence (Gordon) Mikkelsen of Ft. St. John, B.C. and his brother Don (Betty) McKenzie of the Ahbau Creek area, sisters-in-law Judith McKenzie and Rosalie Zirk of Quesnel, B.C. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many life long friends.
He was predeceased by his parents James and Olga McKenzie, brothers Alan, Jim and Albert and sister Clara Jensen and husband Bill Jensen.
A service was held on June 24, 2006 at Clayton’s Funeral Chapel with Robert Lansdell presiding.
Nephew, Clint McKenzie gave a wonderful eulogy, followed by songs “I Have a Dream”, “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “Go Rest High”, chosen by the family.
Nieces Charlotte Lettington (McKenzie) and Wendy Brown (McKenzie) gave a special tribute to Uncle Art.
A reception was held at the Golden Age Centre in Quesnel, following the service.
Those wishing to honor Art’s memory by way of donation, may do so to the G.R. Baker Cat Scan Fund, the Quesnel Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.