Obituary for Wilfred Daniel McKenzie
We are heartbroken to announce that Wilfred Daniel McKenzie suddenly began his journey to the Sprit World on Sunday, October 8, 2023, with his wife by his side.
He was born to parents John Thomas & Maggie Lizzie McKenzie (nee Charles) on October 31, 1951, in Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan. We are sure he was joyously reunited with them along with brothers Thompson & Isiah McKenzie, sisters Jane McKenzie, Annie Bird, & Rachel McKenzie, Jane (Murdock) McKenzie, grandparents Samuel & Jeannie McKenzie & Rev. Philip J & Helen Charles, aunts Rachel Keighley & Angelique McKenzie, uncles Napthalie McKenzie, Isiah, Wilson, Jonas & Murdock Charles as well as many cousins, nieces & nephews. Also anticipating his arrival were his in-laws, Eric & Anita Tuomela & step-son Aaron Carson. We can’t forget about the many fur-babies Wilfred loved to spoil that the couple have had along their journey together.
Husband for 23 years of Carol McKenzie (nee Tuomela). His family mourning in Saskatchewan include his son Curtis Charles & Mavis (nee Clarke) their children Emma, Mikayla, William & Gabrielle Charles, brother Charlie McKenzie (Eva), nephew Ronnie (Bernice) & their children, brother Tom (Betsy) nephews & nieces Ross, Amelia, Lillian, John, Nolan, Tyler & their children, sister Florence Howe (Roger) nieces & nephews Barry (Lori), Deanna, Patti, Roseanne, & their children. Survived by Jane’s children, Wilson, George, Jonas, Annie, Cora & James McKenzie & families as well as Annie’s children (Father Sam Bird) Rene, Eldon, Koula & Nina Bird & families. He is remembered by step-daughter Brenda Charles (Frosty) & step-son Jimmy Charles (Jemima).
In Ontario, he is being mourned by step-daughter Amy McGonegal (Colin), step-son Chris Carson & Katrina Proulx (late Aaron Carson) along with grandsons Cole, Jackson, Jason & Eric who sure are going to miss their ‘Mushim’. He is remembered by Mark (Sophie) Tuomela, Mike (Silvia) Tuomela, Lisa (Chris) McDonald, Linda Tuomela & many other nieces & nephews.
Wilfred was born & raised on Kinderdine Island where his family lived off the land as traditional hunters, trappers & fishermen. He was a residential school survivor taken to Prince Albert’s King George School & Prince Albert Collegiate Institute. He enjoyed basketball, playing for the PACI Golden Bears. After graduation, he joined his father John & brothers Charlie & Tom in becoming a commercial fisherman. He enjoyed playing badminton, especially after checking the nets in La Ronge. Wilfred was a daredevil in his younger years, he would ride bareback on his Uncle George’s horse. There was even a time he attempted a leap out of a tree with a canvas parachute he was sure would work! He was wrong… He worked with the La Ronge D.N.S. (Fire Suppression) & then at the Band Office for several years. He finally settled into the Health Director position at the Stanley Mission Health Clinic where he graciously retired after a long career in healthcare.
He spent the past 18+ years in Sault Ste. Marie with Carol & family but travelled home as often as time would allow. We are eternally grateful that he was able to return to Stanley Mission just this past summer. The first trip West since 2019, he happily reconnected with family & friends for a couple of weeks as the summer came to an end. He enjoyed his time out west & we are happy he had that chance. Carol & Wilfred spent their retirement years travelling, logging visits to Las Vegas, back & forth to Saskatchewan & everywhere in between, taking in the sights, from “let’s see where this road takes us” to Aubrey Falls, up Ranger Lake Rd, into Searchmont & many, many trips to St. Joe’s Island where they spent the last 5+ years providing care to ailing family. In his downtime, he immensely enjoyed visiting for family dinners, games of 10,000 (dice) & cooking for an army! Wilfred loved the outdoors & travelled the back roads and lakes with his fishing pole or gun & bush buddy Colin, cruising in the side-by-side or out in the boat. His final year was spent tending to the house & yard of the home he & Carol had purchased just one year ago. He was so eager to build garden boxes & create a welcoming green space for pets & children to play while the adults relaxed & enjoyed some company. We will raise our coffee mugs to you Wilfred, the first time we get out into the backyard to gather.
Wilfred was always there to lend a hand, no matter who asked for help. His kind, caring & selfless nature left us all in a better place. He doted on Carol & for that we are immensely grateful. His love of feathers & butterflies leave us with tokens of him to watch for while we journey this world without him. The next feather that floats into your path or the butterfly that is flitting around, remember Wilfred.
To my dearest Wilfred, you are & always will be the love of my life & the best life partner I could have asked for. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, our family, & friends. I am so proud to have become your wife & I will cherish every day we had together. Until we meet again, my love, rest in peace & may the wings of butterflies carry you through the winds. I love you, Carol xo
Honourary pallbearers: Sarah Ballantyne, Charlie (Eva) McKenzie, Tom (Betsy) McKenzie, Florence (Roger) Howe, Karen & Fred Charles, Benjamin Charles, Jessie (Russel) Charles, George M Charles, Brian Jehu Charles, Mathew (Mary) Charles, Angelique Charles, Larry (Betsy) Charles, Robert Ballantyne, Morris Ballantyne, Roger Ballantyne, John P (Maggie) McKenzie, Tommy Bruce McKenzie, Roger (Lorna) McKenzie, Nathan McKenzie, Elizabeth (Alo) Chenart, Ambrose Charles, Lorraine Charles & extended family, siblings & friends. Wilson (Deborah) Charles, Philip (Florence) Charles, Maggie (Stan) Ross, Helen (Allan) McKenzie, Bruce (Marge) McKenzie, Randy (Samantha) McKenzie, Joyce (Jacob) McKenzie, Jonas (Annie) McKenzie, Grace (Brad) McKenzie, Van McKenzie & extended family, siblings & friends. Ray R McKenzie, Maggie (Mel) Neufeld, Florence Bonaise, Bella (Myles) Hardlotte, Wilson J McKenzie, George (Patricia) McKenzie, Jonas (Rose) McKenzie, Annie (Philip) McKenzie, Cora McKenzie, James McKenzie, Rene (Doris) Bird, Eldon Bird, Koula Bird, Nina (Teddy) Bird, Ross McKenzie, Amelia (Joe) McKenzie, Lillian McKenzie, John McKenzie, Nolan McKenzie, Tyler McKenzie, Jemima Charles, Caroline Charles, Martha McKenzie, Lillian (John) Charles, Nancy Ratt, Shirley McLeod, Phyllis (Dan) McKenzie, Calvin (Mary) McKenzie, Bob (Patricia) McKenzie, Obediah (Lucy) Ratt, Stanley Mission Health Services Staff, Elders Haven Staff, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Stanley Mission Council: Robin McKenzie, Linda A Charles, Jimmy Charles, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte & everyone else who knew & loved Wilfred.
Cremation has taken place. As per Wilfred’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation. His ashes are to return to Kinderdine Island & scattered in the wind, returning him to his homelands. A memorial service will be held in Stanley Mission in Spring 2024. Details to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (Payable online https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or by cheque).
He was born to parents John Thomas & Maggie Lizzie McKenzie (nee Charles) on October 31, 1951, in Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan. We are sure he was joyously reunited with them along with brothers Thompson & Isiah McKenzie, sisters Jane McKenzie, Annie Bird, & Rachel McKenzie, Jane (Murdock) McKenzie, grandparents Samuel & Jeannie McKenzie & Rev. Philip J & Helen Charles, aunts Rachel Keighley & Angelique McKenzie, uncles Napthalie McKenzie, Isiah, Wilson, Jonas & Murdock Charles as well as many cousins, nieces & nephews. Also anticipating his arrival were his in-laws, Eric & Anita Tuomela & step-son Aaron Carson. We can’t forget about the many fur-babies Wilfred loved to spoil that the couple have had along their journey together.
Husband for 23 years of Carol McKenzie (nee Tuomela). His family mourning in Saskatchewan include his son Curtis Charles & Mavis (nee Clarke) their children Emma, Mikayla, William & Gabrielle Charles, brother Charlie McKenzie (Eva), nephew Ronnie (Bernice) & their children, brother Tom (Betsy) nephews & nieces Ross, Amelia, Lillian, John, Nolan, Tyler & their children, sister Florence Howe (Roger) nieces & nephews Barry (Lori), Deanna, Patti, Roseanne, & their children. Survived by Jane’s children, Wilson, George, Jonas, Annie, Cora & James McKenzie & families as well as Annie’s children (Father Sam Bird) Rene, Eldon, Koula & Nina Bird & families. He is remembered by step-daughter Brenda Charles (Frosty) & step-son Jimmy Charles (Jemima).
In Ontario, he is being mourned by step-daughter Amy McGonegal (Colin), step-son Chris Carson & Katrina Proulx (late Aaron Carson) along with grandsons Cole, Jackson, Jason & Eric who sure are going to miss their ‘Mushim’. He is remembered by Mark (Sophie) Tuomela, Mike (Silvia) Tuomela, Lisa (Chris) McDonald, Linda Tuomela & many other nieces & nephews.
Wilfred was born & raised on Kinderdine Island where his family lived off the land as traditional hunters, trappers & fishermen. He was a residential school survivor taken to Prince Albert’s King George School & Prince Albert Collegiate Institute. He enjoyed basketball, playing for the PACI Golden Bears. After graduation, he joined his father John & brothers Charlie & Tom in becoming a commercial fisherman. He enjoyed playing badminton, especially after checking the nets in La Ronge. Wilfred was a daredevil in his younger years, he would ride bareback on his Uncle George’s horse. There was even a time he attempted a leap out of a tree with a canvas parachute he was sure would work! He was wrong… He worked with the La Ronge D.N.S. (Fire Suppression) & then at the Band Office for several years. He finally settled into the Health Director position at the Stanley Mission Health Clinic where he graciously retired after a long career in healthcare.
He spent the past 18+ years in Sault Ste. Marie with Carol & family but travelled home as often as time would allow. We are eternally grateful that he was able to return to Stanley Mission just this past summer. The first trip West since 2019, he happily reconnected with family & friends for a couple of weeks as the summer came to an end. He enjoyed his time out west & we are happy he had that chance. Carol & Wilfred spent their retirement years travelling, logging visits to Las Vegas, back & forth to Saskatchewan & everywhere in between, taking in the sights, from “let’s see where this road takes us” to Aubrey Falls, up Ranger Lake Rd, into Searchmont & many, many trips to St. Joe’s Island where they spent the last 5+ years providing care to ailing family. In his downtime, he immensely enjoyed visiting for family dinners, games of 10,000 (dice) & cooking for an army! Wilfred loved the outdoors & travelled the back roads and lakes with his fishing pole or gun & bush buddy Colin, cruising in the side-by-side or out in the boat. His final year was spent tending to the house & yard of the home he & Carol had purchased just one year ago. He was so eager to build garden boxes & create a welcoming green space for pets & children to play while the adults relaxed & enjoyed some company. We will raise our coffee mugs to you Wilfred, the first time we get out into the backyard to gather.
Wilfred was always there to lend a hand, no matter who asked for help. His kind, caring & selfless nature left us all in a better place. He doted on Carol & for that we are immensely grateful. His love of feathers & butterflies leave us with tokens of him to watch for while we journey this world without him. The next feather that floats into your path or the butterfly that is flitting around, remember Wilfred.
To my dearest Wilfred, you are & always will be the love of my life & the best life partner I could have asked for. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, our family, & friends. I am so proud to have become your wife & I will cherish every day we had together. Until we meet again, my love, rest in peace & may the wings of butterflies carry you through the winds. I love you, Carol xo
Honourary pallbearers: Sarah Ballantyne, Charlie (Eva) McKenzie, Tom (Betsy) McKenzie, Florence (Roger) Howe, Karen & Fred Charles, Benjamin Charles, Jessie (Russel) Charles, George M Charles, Brian Jehu Charles, Mathew (Mary) Charles, Angelique Charles, Larry (Betsy) Charles, Robert Ballantyne, Morris Ballantyne, Roger Ballantyne, John P (Maggie) McKenzie, Tommy Bruce McKenzie, Roger (Lorna) McKenzie, Nathan McKenzie, Elizabeth (Alo) Chenart, Ambrose Charles, Lorraine Charles & extended family, siblings & friends. Wilson (Deborah) Charles, Philip (Florence) Charles, Maggie (Stan) Ross, Helen (Allan) McKenzie, Bruce (Marge) McKenzie, Randy (Samantha) McKenzie, Joyce (Jacob) McKenzie, Jonas (Annie) McKenzie, Grace (Brad) McKenzie, Van McKenzie & extended family, siblings & friends. Ray R McKenzie, Maggie (Mel) Neufeld, Florence Bonaise, Bella (Myles) Hardlotte, Wilson J McKenzie, George (Patricia) McKenzie, Jonas (Rose) McKenzie, Annie (Philip) McKenzie, Cora McKenzie, James McKenzie, Rene (Doris) Bird, Eldon Bird, Koula Bird, Nina (Teddy) Bird, Ross McKenzie, Amelia (Joe) McKenzie, Lillian McKenzie, John McKenzie, Nolan McKenzie, Tyler McKenzie, Jemima Charles, Caroline Charles, Martha McKenzie, Lillian (John) Charles, Nancy Ratt, Shirley McLeod, Phyllis (Dan) McKenzie, Calvin (Mary) McKenzie, Bob (Patricia) McKenzie, Obediah (Lucy) Ratt, Stanley Mission Health Services Staff, Elders Haven Staff, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Stanley Mission Council: Robin McKenzie, Linda A Charles, Jimmy Charles, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte & everyone else who knew & loved Wilfred.
Cremation has taken place. As per Wilfred’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation. His ashes are to return to Kinderdine Island & scattered in the wind, returning him to his homelands. A memorial service will be held in Stanley Mission in Spring 2024. Details to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (Payable online https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or by cheque).