MacKENZIE, Keith Gordon
June 17, 1929 to January 28, 2009
Former long time Victoria radio and television personality, Keith MacKenzie passed away peacefully at Nanaimo General Hospital. For the last 18 years, Keith has lived in Parksville, BC with wife Marion, enjoying many new friends, his church life at Knox United and hosting family get togethers.
Keith was a compassionate man who loved life, family, church family and friends. He gave of himself to countless charities, amateur sports, and community projects. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Left behind to fondly remember him are his wife of many years, Marion, former partner Barbara, sons Dale (Sue), Jeff (Nikola), Blake (Ericka) and daughter Nicole (John) and former daughter in law Dianne, brothers Bob (Bev), Jack, many grandchildren, nephews, nieces and friends. Keith was predeceased by his parents and brother Glen.
Keith grew up with his brothers in a small town in Manitoba called Gladstone. He often joked that it was his birth that brought about the stock market crash of 1929. Not long after finishing Grade twelve, Keith went on to excel and graduate from the Lorne Greene Academy of Broadcasting. In the early 1950s, he moved with his family to Victoria, BC to begin his career as sportscaster on CHEK TV and CKDA/CFMS radio stations. Over the years, he went on to become executive vice- president of CKDA/CFMS. Although his involvement in the community was extensive, Keith is most well known for, and fondly remembered as the “Roving Reporter” for CKDA – a part of his job he found most gratifying.
Keith enjoyed many activities during his lifetime, curling, umpiring little league, golfing, fishing and playing games and cards…especially Duplicate Bridge where he achieved the status of Silver Master! But his all-time favorite pastime was to SING! He belonged to many barber-shop quartets, choirs and impromptu sing-a-longs during his days, raising his kids to love music! His involvement with, and in the Knox United Church Choir brought him more joy that words can say! In fact, rumor is that the choir in Heaven was looking for a new Lead and Keith passed the audition!!
In memory of Keith, we know that he would be honored if, instead of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity or amateur sport.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on
Friday, February 6th at 2pm at Knox United Church,
345 Pym St. in Parksville.