MACKIE, Alfred John
October 31, 1920 - October 20, 2006
Passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital, Chilliwack BC at age 85 years. He was born in Big Valley, Alberta. John “Fred” is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister Lillian Mackie; sons, Bob (Cheryl) Mackie, Jim (Dawn) Mackie; daughters, Susan (Ken) Henriksen, Linda (Jim) Sache; grandchildren, Jeannine (Stuart) Brock, Jacki (Mike) Bennett, Ryan (Cora) Mackie, Theresa (Blair) Carrie, Geoff (Natalie) Sache, Nicola Sache, Adam Sache (Kelly “Green”Smith), Stephanie and Victoria Mackie; great grandchildren Alanna and Andrew Brock and Mya and Malachi Sache.
John served in the army during World War II and started out with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. He then transferred to a unit called the First Special Service Force for the remainder of his war service. The movie “ Devil’s Brigade” is based on this unit. He worked for many years in Victoria as a fire fighter for the Department of National Defence. He retired to Qualicum Beach/ Parksville area and recently moved to Chilliwack. He enjoyed helping on the farm, gardening, riding his bike and especially having coffee with friends at the Coombs Country Market, while living on the Island and more recently, at Tim Horton’s in Chilliwack.
A very special time was participating in a 70 km “Bike for Life” annual event in Parksville. He participated in this event until he was 82 years, with his son Bob and grandson Ryan, He will be missed by all.
A very heartfelt thankyou to the doctors and nursing staff of Chilliwack General Hospital for their kind and special care during his short illness.
Please join us in a Celebration of John “Fred’s” life on October 31, 2006 at 1:00 pm “At the Farm” , 9490 Ford Rd. in Rosedale BC at which time his ashes will be placed around an apple tree being planted as a memorial.
If family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Chilliwack General Hospital Foundation, 7324 Hurd Street Mission, BC V2V 3H5
Woodlawn604-793-4555