Kenzie MacKillop
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: June 24th, 1939
Passed in: Hollywood, Florida, United States
Passed on: September 10th, 2011
It is with deep sadness that the family of Ken MacKillop regret to announce his passing on Sept. 10, 2011, in Hollywood, Florida, following a brief battle with cancer.
Ken was born on June 24, 1939 in Sydney, son of John Angus and Marguerite (Morrison) MacKillop. The MacKillop family resided at South Bar; Baddeck and following the death of his father, the family moved to California. Following many years of employment with the Safeway Food chain, Ken became active in the workers union and from 1987 to 1997 he was president of the 19,0000 member UFCW Union.
During his tenure Ken worked diligently to improve the working conditions of his members and served on the board of the Oregon AFLCIO and was vice president of the state labour federation. In June of 2005 he was inducted into the Northwest Oregon Labor Council Hall of Fame and served several terms as chair of the Oregon Wage and Hours Commission. Ken lived life to the fullest and had many stories to tell of his adventures in the horse racing business.
A loving husband, father and friend, he will be sadly missed by his wife, Mary; children, Michael, Robyn, Kara; stepchildren, Jessie, Casey and Robin; granddaughter, Alex and step grandchildren; sister, Betty and many friends in Oregon, California and Nova Scotia.
He was predeceased by his parents; son, John; sisters, Barbara and Emily.
Although he lived away from Cape Breton for many years his heart was always there and he returned numerous times with his family. His Cape Breton hospitality and caring demeanor in his retirement home in Florida will be remembered by all those who had the pleasure of being his guests. Ken, with his wonderful smile and gentle voice will be missed, but will always be remembered.
