Edwin Murray McKenzie, formerly of Brandon, Manitoba, slipped the surly bonds of Earth early Sunday morning, December 1, 2019 in Vulcan, Alberta at the age of 88.
Ed was born on July 3, 1931 in Brandon and spent virtually all of his life in Brandon. He attended Brandon Collegiate Institute, and was a regular at the Brandon YMCA in his younger years. An accomplished gymnast and member several basketball teams Ed loved competitive sports both as a participant and a spectator. As a regular member of the Schubert choir cast for musicals Ed displayed his exceptional singing voice, but more importantly he met Karen, the love of his life, and the mother of his children while performing in a musical theater production.
His musical interests also included membership in a Barbershop quartet. Ed’s professional life started at the Packers Plant in Brandon where he was introduced to business accounting. Following a short stint at Wheat City Roofing, Ed settled into his longtime occupation as the Comptroller of Canadian Motors, a position which he held until his retirement. He was also a successful business owner as a co-owner of LET Leasing and the “Wash and Wrench” Car wash.
Ed’s true passion was duplicate Bridge, he achieved the rank of “Life Master” in the American Contract Bridge League. He also dabbled in aviation, co-owning a small aircraft and obtaining his private pilot’s licence. He regularly chased a small white ball around the golf course (with limited success most of the time).
Following the passing of his first wife, Ed satisfied his wanderlust by travelling extensively throughout North America and Europe with his second wife Margaret. In 2017 Ed moved to High River, AB to live with his daughter Lisa until he moved into a personal care home in Vulcan, AB in August of this year.
Ed was predeceased by all of his siblings (Bruce, Gwen, Verlie and Madeline) and by Karen Yvonne (nee Constable), his loving wife of 32 years. Ed will be sorely missed by his three children, Rob McKenzie and wife Jo-Ann of Oak Bluff, Lisa Campbell and husband Curry of High River AB, and Shari Haggstrom and husband Art of Brandon and by his 5 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Per Ed’s wishes, his ashes will be interred at the Brandon Cemetery beside the final resting place of his first wife Karen.
It was his wish not to have a memorial, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choosing.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.