It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Neil ‘Buddy’ McKenzie on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at home.
Born in Glace Bay on Nov. 5, 1925, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Sadie McKenzie.
Buddy left home at an early age to join the navy. He spent four years with the Merchant Marines during the Second World War. In his earlier years he worked for the Glace Bay Bus Company and Ben's Bakery. He was employed with the Ministry of Transport, Sydney Airport Fire Services from 1964 until his retirement. He spent many years volunteering with the Glace Bay Food Bank and the Savoy Theater. He loved watching baseball, especially the Blue Jays. He was an avid hockey fan and until the last three years he was a season ticket holder with Center 200 for over 20 years starting with the Cape Breton Oilers and later with the Screaming Eagles. He would never miss a game no matter how inclement the weather.
He enjoyed driving no matter how short or far. He sometimes spent half of his day in the car whether running errands or just out for a “drive”. Until recently he was a morning regular at McDonald's, Glace Bay, where he enjoyed a cup of coffee and good conversation. He loved to laugh and never told the same joke twice and he managed to find humour in almost everything.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Harriet (MacQuarrie), his three children; Judy (Doug) Lawrence, Port Morien, Kevin (Dianne), Westville and Keith (Jennifer), Dartmouth as well as his adored grandchildren, Ryan, Mark, Kyle, Nicole and Gillian. Also surviving are his sisters, Verda Strong, Toronto, Mimi Taylor, Glace Bay and brother, Hugh ‘Bunny’ McKenzie and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Fred McKenzie; brothers-in-law, Cliff Strong and Bernie MacQuarrie and sisters-in-law, Millie (McKenzie), Wilson and Margaret MacDonald.
There will be a visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. Which will be held at Patten Funeral Home Chapel, 71 Union St., Glace Bay on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 with Rev. John Findlayson officiating. Interment will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.pattenfuneral.com.

Condolences

• John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
  902-794-2713
  Website

• Thoms Flowers
  902-849-8989
  Website