Rev. Renford Grant MacKenzie
Born In: Maccan, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: NewWaterford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: September 9th, 2011
It is with great sadness the family wish to announce the sudden passing of Rev. Renford ‘Rennie’ MacKenzie on Sept. 9, 2011, at home.
Born in Maccan, N.S., he was the son of the late John Grant and Laura (MacDonald) MacKenzie.
He is survived by his wife, Norma (Roper); son, Rev. Bruce (Shana); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Ann) and Neil (Joan); mother-in-law, Rebecca Roper; several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Bobby Roper.
Besides his parents, he is also predeceased by daughter Noreen, and son Renford.
A high school drop out, Rennie worked in the coal mines for 15 years before embarking on a seven-year educational journey to become an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. He brought his fresh, liberating and challenging theology to the New Brunswick pastoral charges of New Bandon, Bathurst, Loggieville and Dalhouise. Rennie was an extremely devoted husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved experiencing everything Mother Nature had to offer.
Rennie left a lasting impression on everyone he met even if it was just for a few short moments. If our goal in life is to make the world a better place, Rennie has done just that.
Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. in Calvin United Church, New Waterford, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Interment to follow in Union Grove Cemetery and a reception to follow in the church hall.
Arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 862-7500.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Waterford Food Bank or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
For some of Rennie’s thinking and writing see these websites, wwwseaside.ns.ca/-coalminer and www.seaside.ns.ca/-rmackenzie. Also these books In The Pit, A Cape Breton Coal Miner; “That Bloody Cape Breton Coal” and “Blast! Cape Breton Coal Mine Disasters.”
