MacKenzie, W. Keith - It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Keith, age 80, on November 14, 2024 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre with his loving family by his side. Born in Truro, Keith was the only son of the late Hilda (Corbett) and Carl MacKenzie.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne; children, Aaron MacKenzie and Andrea (JP) Ashton; grandchildren, Hayden MacKenzie and Maxwell and Carlie Ashton; stepchildren, Kevin (Rebecca) Thompson and Calvin (Rica) Thompson; step-grandchildren, Ava, Anna, Ariella, and Matthew Thompson and Timothy and Zyron Thompson.
A lifelong educator and sports enthusiast, Keith’s career was dedicated to both teaching and coaching. He held a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education from the University of New Brunswick and Master’s Degree from Saint Mary’s University. Following his graduation from UNB in 1966 he headed back to Nova Scotia and to South Colchester Academy, where his teaching career began. From there, he went on to Cobequid Educational Centre where he became the school’s first athletic director and coached the football and basketball teams to many provincial championships over the years. He moved on to Truro Junior High in 1985 as Vice-Principal and then Principal. After retiring, he served on the Chignecto Central Regional School Board for many years, and retired as Vice-Chair.
Well known for his contributions to sports, some highlights include induction to the NS Sports Hall of Fame and Colchester Sports Hall of Fame, founder and coach of the Colchester Oldtimers Hockey League and Men’s Slo-pitch league, President of the Junior A Bearcats, Vice President of the Senior TSN Bearcats, lifetime member of the Fundy Umpires Association, 1st Coach of the Year Basketball Nova Scotia (1979), and Football Canada Award of Merit (1990).
Keith enjoyed a lively debate over politics and sports (particularly his Habs), humming a tune only he knew, and creating a nickname for anyone and everyone. He loved spending his winters in Florida with Dianne and summers at the cottage in Bass River. Keith was fiercely proud of his grandchildren and their academic and extracurricular endeavours. Though humble about his own achievements, Keith’s impact on those he coached and mentored is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on through them.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Camden Cemetery c/o 80 Fir Avenue, Salmon River, NS B2N 6P6 or Colchester East Hants Hospice Society.
Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 1 p.m. in St. James Presbyterian Church, 725 Prince Street, Truro with Rev. Andrew Campbell officiating. A reception will follow after the service and all are welcome to come, share stories, and celebrate Keith’s life.
The livestream link for Keith’s funeral is https://youtu.be/K7HB-l20bNw
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