We Remember

MACKENZIE, Christopher Donald

December 12, 1961 — July 26, 2019

It is with sad hearts that the family of Christopher “Chris” Donald MacKenzie announce his sudden passing as the result of a traffic accident on July 26, 2019. He is survived by his husband, Bill Litwin, mother Mary Lu MacKenzie, brother Richard (Cathy), nephews Jordan (Trish), Jasper, Benjamin and Carson MacKenzie, along with many family members in Ontario and the U.S. He was predeceased by father Elwood and brothers Peter and David.

Chris was born at 8:05 a.m. on December 12, 1961 in Marathon, Ontario. He was raised in Marathon and worked as River Driver and Lifeguard.   He loved animals from an early age and carried that love throughout his life.  He went to Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie to study nursing. He finished his education as an Emergency Medical Care Assistant at Cambrian College in Sudbury, ON and worked as an ambulance attendant throughout Ontario. A work place injury prompted him to retire to Kelowna, BC where he became active in a variety of community groups including: The Ponderosa Spinners, Weavers & Fibre Artists Guild; the Kelowna Dragon Boat Club; and the Shire of Danscombe – SCA, travelling throughout the Pacific Northwest to attend the various events for these organizations, where he made many new friends.

A Service will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC and will be live-streamed on the Springfield website. Internment will take place at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Chris MacKenzie Memorial Fund at the following charities:

For Canadian Family & Friends – Bridge Youth & Family Services, Etcetera Fund (https://www.thebridgeservices.ca/donate/ )
For US Family & Friends – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2000503 )
Or a charity of your choice.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED THURSDAY AUGUST 29 2019 AT 1:00PM

 

Service
Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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For Canadian Family & Friends – Bridge Youth & Family Services, Etcetera Fund and for US Family & Friends – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Link: www.thebridgeservices.ca/donate/ , afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2000503

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for MACKENZIE, Christopher Donald is scheduled for Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Ena & Victor Tagle says:
    August 9, 2019 at 11:08 pm

    Bill we are so very sorry to hear about Chris. We enjoyed chatting with him and he will be sorely missed.

    Reply
  • Donald Campbell says:
    August 12, 2019 at 7:35 am

    To Mary Lu Bill Litwin & Family;
    My wife Augusta & myself are sad to hear about your recent loss of Chris . Our prayers are for Chris and your family at this difficult time. ,

    Reply
  • Lisa MacKenzie says:
    August 13, 2019 at 5:09 pm

    So sad sense for you all and I hope you know that we are there with you in spirit. I know Chris was proud of his MacKenzie roots and I will wear a piece of tartan in his honour on the 29th.

    Reply
  • Lisa MacKenzie says:
    August 13, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    So saddened for all of you; I hope you know that we are with you in spirit. I know Chris was proud of his MacKenzie roots and I will wear MacKenzie plaid on the 29th. My memories of Christmas Eve at your house with all the boys are strong. We are thinking of you all..

    Reply
  • Corinne Hooper (nee Huska) says:
    August 15, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. Deepest condolences to Mrs. MacKenzie, Richard, Bill and everyone in Chris’ family. May your memories of him, and the thoughts of others, help to sustain you during this time of sorrow.

    Reply
  • Margaret-Ann Hooper says:
    August 16, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Bill, I was so sorry to hear about Chris. I always enjoyed a chat with him when we ran into each other. Sending love and sympathy to you and your family.

    Reply
    • Di Oxborrow says:
      August 26, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      Bill…I will always remember Chris as a kind and gentle person. He was always willing to help where needed. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with you and your family.

      Reply
  • Jan Johnston says:
    August 19, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    I will remember Chris as a kind, helpful and positive guy who was always ready to help out with our dragon boat club. We lost him way too early but I know that heaven is a better place, now that Chris is there. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  • Lori pierson says:
    August 26, 2019 at 9:14 pm

    Bill, words can’t really describe the loss of your person and our friend Chris. He was a quiet, solid presence with a special laugh, smile and huge heart fior is all. So much to say but just know he is missed and was taken too soon. All my love and hugs

    Reply
  • Doris Trudeau says:
    August 28, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    I knew Chris through the Ponderosa Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists Guild. I have a strong memory of him kindly and gently helping me set up a table loom. How sad to lose such a beautiful person at such a young age. My love and condolences go out to his family and to those that were dear to him.

    Reply
  • Michelle McCready says:
    August 28, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    A beautiful man whom I was blessed to know. May the pain of his loss be tempered by the many good memories he left in the care of all who knew him.

    Reply
  • Frank Teichmann says:
    August 29, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    Many fond memories of Chris especially the Bonsai Trip to Vancouver with you guys – Big Hugs To you Bill

    Reply
  • Michelle “Ealusaid “ Ross says:
    August 29, 2019 at 8:45 pm

    Thank you for making it possible to be a part of the service. I was very sad I couldn’t make it today. I will miss Chris so much at events with the medieval group. Always enjoyed our chats when we fit them in, long or short. I always made sure to say Hi to the guys, loved our visits. He will always have a special place in my heart ❤️ 💔❣️Hugs to Bill and Chris’ family

    Reply

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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

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They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

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Diane Greenwood

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Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

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Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke