KEN (ELIAS) MCKENZIE

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KEN (ELIAS) MCKENZIE July 23, 1948 - January 6, 2014 It is with great sadness and sorrow we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Ken (Elias) McKenzie. Ken was predeceased by his parents Albina (1964), and Douglas (2004), his brother Joseph (1948), sister Alma (1948), brother Paul (1988) and his sister Lillian (1997). Ken will be greatly missed by his loving companion Theresa Bird and his children, Theresa McKenzie, Marty McKenzie, Shawn McKenzie, Jeremy Richard, including his adopted children, who called Ken their "Dad", Melvina Bird, Brenda Beaulieu, Clerese Bird, Delilia Two Heart and Jeremy Bird. Ken is survived by his sisters, Anne, Marian (Danny), Cecile (Ivan), and Rita, brothers Bernard (Beverley), Ronnie (Bernadette), and Barry (Wanda), including many nieces, nephews and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had many friends that are too numerous to list here. Ken will surely be remembered by many for his keen sense of storytelling, easy going nature, generosity and humour. He enjoyed fishing, boating, canoeing and being out on the land. He was proud that he was born in a tent on Black Island. He attended residential school and graduated in Otterburne, Manitoba. Although he could have pursued a career in the Seminary, his loyalty and fondness of living in the country always brought him back home to Agaaming. Earlier on, Ken worked as a Taxi Driver and he also trained as a Conservation Officer. More recently he was the Medical Driver for Hollow Water, which he greatly enjoyed as it brought him into contact with the elders from the community. He often lamented about the hardship brought on individuals and families by the disease of diabetes. Unfortunately, Ken also became stricken with diabetes and he struggled for a long time until finally he too was overcome by the disease. Despite all this he always managed to maintain his faith in God and a good sense of humour. Wake services began at the residence of Theresa Bird in Little Black River on January 8 at 7:00 p.m. and continuing into January 9, 2014 and then at the Band Hall in Hollow Water on Friday, January 10, 2014 beginning in the afternoon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hollow Water Band Hall, followed by burial at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hollow Water. Family members would like to thank all the people who assisted in caring for Ken, including the doctors, nurses and staff of Pine Falls General Hospital, kchimiigwetch. "Be still and know I am God" Funeral arrangements entrusted to; Personal Funeral Services Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honour-Respect-Dignity In Winnipeg 223-2576 or toll free 1(866)499-2601

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2014