Eric passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Aug 18 at Blenheim Lodge in Vancouver.
Preceded in death by: wife Merle, sister Ruth, son-in-law Tim, Merle’s sisters Lorna & Elna and their husbands Gordon & Jack. Survived by: son Craig, daughter Norma; grandsons Kaiden, Corben and their mother Joyce Coutts; brother-in-law Gordon Johnson (Mary); a number of extended family members, and a handful of Lord Byng Class of ‘49ers.
Eric was born in Vancouver to John C. MacKenzie and Vera “Maisie” Climenson and grew up in Dunbar/Point Grey. After earning a degree in Agriculture from UBC, Eric persuaded Merle to spend almost 40 years serving with him in Angola, D.R. Congo and Kenya teaching and training local farmers in more advanced agricultural practices that would improve their lives. Eric took a study break in 1970-72, moving the family to Gainesville, FL, where he completed a Masters in Tropical Agriculture.
Retirement in the mid ‘90s brought Eric and Merle back to Vancouver, where Eric enjoyed spending his energy and skills on volunteer projects linked to his church community. He reconnected with many old friends and classmates, attending the annual Lord Byng Class of ’49 Reunion lunch until 2019 move into long-term care. Special thanks to Guy Matthews for his professional care and ever-cheerful companionship to Eric for many, many years. The wheelchair races down Blenheim to Kits Beach were particularly thrilling for him.
A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at West Point Grey Baptist Church (4509 West 11 Ave, Vancouver, BC) on Saturday, Nov 16 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please share memories or condolences with the family on this memorial page.