MacKENZIE
John Robert "Murray"
June 29, 1929 - January 24, 2015
Murray MacKenzie of Lacombe, Alberta passed away peacefully in the Red Deer Hospice at the age of 85. Murray was the youngest child of Robert and Amanda MacKenzie, and younger brother of Isabel and Viola. Murray grew up in Lacombe, and was active in central Alberta hockey, playing with numerous junior teams and finally the Lacombe Rockets. As a young man he joined his father in the livestock industry, and in 1953 he studied in Iowa to become an auctioneer. At this time he met his wife to be, Mona Creighton, and they were married in 1953. They moved to a farm just south of Lacombe where they raised their three children Stephen (Betty), Laura (Andrew) and Maureen (Bob). Murray travelled to eastern Alberta as a cattle buyer, visiting many farms and ranches where he made life-long friends. He was the owner/operator of the Coronation and Hanna auction markets. The Lacombe Bull Sale was one of his favourite sales to work. The farm was sold in 1988 and Murray and Mona moved into their current home in Lacombe. Murray co-founded the Lacombe Kinsmen Rodeo, and the Western Canada School of Auctioneering, the first of its kind in Canada.
Murray was dedicated to service in his community, and was active in the Kinsmen, Lions, Masons, and was a Legion member until the time of his passing. Murray loved the game of golf, and spent many afternoons at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club. Murray, Mona and their friends travelled to various courses in Alberta, the US, Mexico, and New Zealand. They enjoyed camping and fishing the lakes of Alberta. For 21 years they headed south to their winter home in McAllen Texas to be with their many snowbird friends. Murray led by example and was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather ,great grandfather, friend, and well respected cattleman. Murray enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Katie, Sarah, Genevieve (Shane), and Scott, and his great-grandchildren Sareen and Augustus. A celebration of Murray's life will be held at Wilson's Funeral Chapel, 6120 Hwy 2A, Lacombe on Monday February 2, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that memorial donations be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4R 3S6, or at http://www.reddeerhospice.com. Condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of
arrangements. Phone 403-782-3366 or 403-843-3388
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"