It is with great sadness that the family of MRS. JOAN McKENZIE, beloved wife of the late Dr. Hugh McKenzie, announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the age of 96 years.

Joan is survived by her son, Ross (Deborah) McKenzie of Lethbridge, her daughters, Carol (Iain) Wilson of Edmonton and Carmen (George) Graham of Rainier and her eight grandchildren, Kyle McKenzie (Tara, and their children, Xander, Mannix and Milana), Colin McKenzie, Christina McKenzie, Andrew Wilson, Scott Wilson, Catherine Davies (Braidy, and their children, Sage and Wynn), Rob Graham and Erin Graham.

She was predeceased by her parents and by her loving husband, Hugh.

Joan was born on November 2, 1921 in Yorkshire, England and was raised in Pocklington. Joan trained and worked as an accountant in York during World War II. She met a Saskatchewan farm boy, Hugh McKenzie, a Flying Officer with the RCAF stationed nearby. They were married on December 11, 1943. After they were married, Hugh completed his tour of duty with Bomber Command. On each bombing mission, Joan counted the number of planes that left and returned. Hugh survived three plane crashes. On one mission, Hugh’s plane did not return and had to crash land on the coast of England. This was a very stressful time in Joan and Hugh’s lives, but resulted in a very close and loving relationship between them, which lasted throughout their marriage.

Hugh returned to Saskatchewan in September of 1945. Eight months later, Joan was able to join Hugh at the family farm near Sintaluta, Saskatchewan. They lived in Saskatoon while Hugh attended the University of Saskatchewan. Once he completed university, the couple moved to Indian Head to work at the Agriculture Canada Experimental Farm. In 1951, they transferred to Lethbridge where Hugh began his lifetime career working at the Lethbridge Research Station.

Together, they had three children, Ross, Carol and Carmen. Each were very welcomed and loved additions to their family. Joan and Hugh had a very happy relationship and enjoyed raising their family in Lethbridge. Sadly, Hugh died in an automobile accident in 1979. Joan remained living in Lethbridge and cherished her close relationship with her children, eight grandchildren and, over the past six years, her five great-grandchildren. Joan’s family was her inspiration and she was so proud of each and every one. Joan was a long-time member of Southminster United Church.

At Joan’s request, a Private Graveside Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5, the Brooks & District Health Foundation, 440 – 3 Street East, Brooks, AB T1R 0G5, or to a charity of your choice.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-05-08
• Location : Brooks, Alberta